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AND AS IT HAS BEEN. 


THE WORLD AS IT IS 




































COMPREHENSIVE 


ANCIENT 

« 

AND MODERN. 

vh i^vy 

BY sfo^^GOODRICH. 


REVISED EDITION. 


NEW YORK: 

GEORGE SAVAGE, 58 FULTON STREET, 
1853. 
























i • - — - s 

^ O/' 


LIST or MAPS. 


1, Western Hemisphere (small). 11 

* 2. Eastern Hemisphere (do.) . 12 

8. Western Hemisphere. 21 

4. Eastern Hemisphere..*... 22 

6. Forth America. 24 

■ C. United States (small) . 26 

7. United States . 28, 29 

8. New England. 84 

9. State of Maine. 36 

10. “ New Hampshire. 38 

11. “ Vermont. 40 

12. “ Massachusetts. 42 

13. City of Boston . 44 

14. State of Rhode Island . 46 

15. “ Connecticut. 48 

16. Middle States . 60 

17. State of New York. 52 

18. City of New York . 84 

19. Hudson River. 66 

20. State of New Jersey. 56 

21. “ Penn.sylvania. 68 

22. City of Philadelphia.*.. 60 

23. States of Maryland and Dela¬ 

ware . 61 

24. City of Baltimore. 63 

25. Dlstrict of Columbia. 64 

26. Southern States. 66 

27. State of Virginia . 68 


28. State of North Carolina. 73 

29. “ South Carolina. 75 

30. “ Florida . 78 

31. States of Georgia and Alabama... 80 

32. “ Mississippi and Louisiana 84 

33. City of New Orleans . 87 

34. State of Texas . 91 

35. Western States... 94 

36. State of Arkansas. 97 

37. “ Missouri. 99 

38. “ Tennessee . 101 

39. “ Kentucky. 103 

40. “ Ohio.1. 106 

41. States of Indiana and Illinois... 109 

42. State of Michigan . 114 

43. • “ Wisconsin . 118 

44. “ Iowa. 120 

45. Territories in the Valley of the 

Mississippi. 122 

46. Oregon and California. 129 

47. City of San Francisco. 133 

48. Polar Regions. 138 

49. New Brunswick, Canada, «fec. 143 

50. City of Montreal. 144 

51. Mexico, Guatimala, and the West 

Indies. 146 

52. Central America. 150 

53. South America. 158 


64. Atlantic Ocean. 176 

66. Europe. 176 

66. The World as known to the An¬ 

cients . 181 

67. British Isles . 186 

68. France. 199 

59. Spain and Portugal. 204 

60. Italy . 208 

61. Ancient Italy. 209 

62. Roman Empire. 212 

63. Mediterranean Sea . 213 

64. Modern Greece. 214 

65. Ancient Greece. 215 

66. Central Europe. 220 

67. Switzerland . 226 

68. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark... 231 

69. Africa. 234 

70. Ancient Africa. 236 

71. Egypt. 238 

72. Asia . 242 

73. Turkey in Asia . 246 

74. Asia Minor . 247 

75. Asia as known to the Ancients . 250 

76. Persia, Arabia, AfGhanlstan, and 

Beloochistan .. 252 

77. India . 268 

78. China . 263 

79. Pacific Ocean . 266 








































































































CONTENTS. 


Sntroiluctian. 

LESSON PAGE 

I. —Geography and History. 9 

II. —Shape of the Earth. 9 

III. —Motions and Magnitude of the Earth... 10 

IV. —Globes and Maps. 10 

V. —Latitude and Longitude, &c . 10 

VI. —Zones and Climates. 11 

VII. —Divisions of the Land. 13 

VIII. —Divisions of the Water. 13 

IX. —Natural and Political Geography .... 14 

X. —Government. 15 

XL —Religion. 15 

XII. —Occupations of Mankind. 16 

XIII.—Languages of Mankind. 17 


Ditiii nf tijt IBnrlii. 


XIV. —Geographical Outline. 18 

XV. —Historical Outline. 18 

XVI. —Dispersion of Mankind. 19 


LESSON • _ PAGE 

XVIL— jtWestern Hemisphere. 20 

XVIII. —Exercises on Map of Western Hemi¬ 
sphere .•. 21 

XIX. —Exercises on Map of Eastern Hemi¬ 
sphere . 22 

XX. —Eastern Hemisphere. 23 


Slinmrn. 

XXL —General View. 25 

XXII. —The United States. ._.. 26 

XXIII. —History of the United States ....... 30 

XXIV. —New England. 34 

XXV. —State of Maine.• • • • r . 36 

XXVI. —State of New Hampshire. . .. 38' 

XXVIL— State of Vermont .. 40 

XXVHI. —State of Massachusetts .. 42 

XXIX. —State of Rhode Island. 46 

XXX. —State of Connecticut. 48 

XXXI. —The Middle States. 50 

XXXII. —State of New York. 62 















































































6 

CONTENTS. 



LESSON 

PAGE 

LESSON 

PAGE 


XXXIII.—State of New Jersey. 


LXXIV.—West Indies. 



XXXIV.—State of Pennsylvania. 

.. 58 

LXXV.—View OF the Separate Islands.. 

. .152 


XXXV.—State of Delaware. 


LXXVI.—Discoveries of Columbus. 



XXXVI.—State of Maryland. 





XXXVII.—District of Columbia. 





XXXVIII.—The Southern States. 


Iniitlj Iratririi. 



XXXIX.—State of Virginia. 





XL.—State of North Car’olina. 

.. 73 

LXXVII.—General View... 



XLI.—State of South Carolina. 

.. 75 

LXXVIIL—Guiana. 

..161 


XLII.—State of Florida. 


LXXIX.—Venezuela... 

..162 

• 

XLIII.—State of Georgia. 


LXXX.—Republic of New Granada. 

..163 


XLIV.—State of Alabama. 


LXXXI.—Republic of Ecuador. 



XLV.—State of Mississippi. 


LXXXII.—Republic of Peru... 



XLVI.—State of Louisiana. 


LXXXIII. — Republic of Bolivia . .......... 

..167 


XLVII. — State of Texas. 


LXXXIV. — Republic of Chili . 

..168 


XLVIII. — The Western States . 


LXXXV.— Patagonia . 

. .169 


XLIX. — State of Arkansas. 


LXXXVI. — Buenos Ayres, or the Argentine 


L. — State of Missouri. 


Republic. 

. .170 


LI. — State of Tennessee. 


LXXXVII. — Republic of Uruguay. 

..171 


LII. — State of E^entucky. . 


LXXXVIII. — Republic of Paraguay . 

..172 


LIII. — State of Ohio.... . 


LXXXIX. — Empire of Brazil . 

..172 


LIV. — State of Indiana . 


XC. — The Atlantic Ocean . 

. .174 


LV. — State of Illinois . 





LVI. — State of Michigan . 





LVII. — State of Wisconsin . 





LVIII. — State of Iowa . 





LIX. — Territories — Minesota . 

. .123 

XCI. — General View . 

..177 


LX. — Territory of Missouri or Nebraska 

..124 

XCII. — United Kingdom of Great Britain 


LXI. — Indian Territory . 


AND Ireland . 

..187 


LXII. — Territory of New Mexico . 


XCIII. — England . 

..188 


LXIII. —The Pacific Region. 

..129 

XCIV.— Wales. 



LXIV. —Territory of Utah. 


XCV. —Scotland. 

.194 


LXV. —State of California. 

..131 

XC VI. —Ireland .’ . 

..197 

% 

LXVI. — Territory of Oregon . 

. .134 

* XCVIL— France . 

.199 

> 

LXVII. — General'View of the U. States.. 

,.136 

XCVIII.— Spain . 



LXVIII. — The Polar Regions .. 


XCIX. — Portugal . 



LXIX. — Russian America . 


C. — Italy . 



LXX. — British America . 


Cl. — Greece . 



LX'XI. — New Britain, Canada, New Bruns- 

CII. — Turkey . 



WICK, (fee. 


cm. — Empire of Austria . 



LXXII. — Republic of Mexico . 


CIV. — Kingdom of Prussia . 

.222 


LXXIII. —Guatimala, or Central America .. 

.150 

CV. —Germany. 

.223 

1 


















































































CONTENTS. 


LESSON PAQB 

CVI.—Switzerland. 226 

evil.—B elgium.22*7 

CVIII.—Holland.228 

CIX.—Denmark...,.229 

ex.—N orway, Sweden, and Lapland.231 

CXI.—Russia in EuROtE.232 

V 




CXII. —Africa. 235 

CXIII. —Northern Africa. 236 

CXIV. —Egypt and Nubia. 238 

CXV. —Western Africa. 239 

CXYL —Central Africa. 239 

CXVII. —Southern Africa. 240 

CXVIII. —Eastern Africa. 240 

CXIX. —Islands of Africa. 241 


Mo. 

LESSON PAQB 

CXX. —Asia.243 

CXXI. —Russia in Asia. 245 

CXXII. —^Turkey in Asia. 246 

CXXIII. —^Arabia. 251 

eXXIV. —^Persia. 255 

eXXV. —Afghanistan and Beloochistan. 256 

eXXVI. —Independent Tart ary.267 

CXXVII. —Hindustan, or India. 258 

CXXVIII. —Farther India. 261 

CXXIX. —Chinese Empire. 263 

eXXX. —^Empire of Japan. 265 


(IDrinniro. 


CXXXI. —OcEANioA. 266 

CXXXII. —General Views of the Earth. 269 











































8 


PUBLISHERS’ NOTICE. 


The object of this work is to supply a View of the World, 
Geographical and Historical, suited to the more advanced class of 
pupils in High Schools, Academies, and Private Schools, and also 
a reading-book for Families, as well,as a Book of Reference for 
IMerchants, Travelers, and the great mass of general readers. 
That the work is suited for the latter purposes, and is, in fact, 
an ample Storehouse of Geographical and Historical materials, 
methodically arranged, is apparent from the following state¬ 
ment, viz.; 

The work contains over seventy I\Iaps and Plans of Cities, 
all printed in connection with the text which they illustrate. 

It contains 272 quarto pages, comprising as much matter as 
is usually given in three 12mo volumes. 

It contains a Map of nearly every State of the Union, with 
the names of all the Counties and County Towns, in the text. 

It contains full Geographical Descriptions of every country on 
the globe. 


It contains an Historical Outline of every country, Ancient as 
well as Modern. ' 

It contains an outline of the Ancient Geography of every coun¬ 
try, illustrated by full Ancient Maps. 

The work is carefully written, with a view to present the 
Actual State of the World at the present time, according to the 
best and latest authorities. 

The several topics of the work are so methodized, that the 
reader can turn at once to the subject he desires to investigate. 
For instance, he will find in every country the subject of Mount¬ 
ains under its head; and this word is put in bold t)q)e, so as 
immediately to attract the eye. The same may be said of Rivers, 
Lakes, Climate, Products, Government, Inhabitants, History, &c. 

It is believed that no work has ever before combined these 
advantages of numerous maps, in immediate contact with the 
description of countries to which they refer, with the union of 
History and Geography, and all the topics systematically and 
conspicuously arranged for easy reading and ready reference. 


SUGGESTIOIS TO TEACHERS. 


This work has been written with especial regard to its use in 
Schools, under the belief that the more advanced pupils will find 
the addition of History to give an increased interest to the 
study of Geography; the two rather helping than embarrassing 
each other. When the mind is filled with the geographical de¬ 
scription of a country, a curiosity to know its history invariably 
arises; and, under this excitement, the latter is read with a vivid 
interest. The impression is therefore strong, and likely to be 
durable; the history serving, by added associations, to rivet the 
geography more firmly in the memory. Let the pupil be told, for 
instance, when he has read a geographical account of Mesopo¬ 
tamia, that this is the country where the descendants of Noah 
dwelt—that here was the Tower of Babel, and the Confusion of 
Tongues—that here was the mighty Babylon, founded by Nim¬ 
rod, embellished by Semiramis, perfected by Nebucliadnezzar, 
and conquered by Alexander, and he mil certainly regard the 
subject with a more lively interest, and mil be more likely to 
remember the position and form of the country on the map, the 
course of the Euphrates which flows along its borders, the mount¬ 
ains, seas, and gulfs which surround it, the description of its cli¬ 
mate, products, soil, government, and other circumstances con¬ 
nected with its present state. This is, indeed, so obvious, and 
so well understood, that almost all the school manuals of geog¬ 
raphy give a few historical incidents of the several countries 
described. 

As a means, therefore, of studying geography effectually, it is 
believed that the introduction of historical particulars, as in the 
following pages, is most important. In addition to this, the 
acquisition of historical impressions of every country, connected 
with its geography, is of mcalculable value to every pupil. The 
two subjects are, indeed, naturally connected. Neither can be 
studied to advantage, separately. The mind is never satisfied 
with knowing w'hat a country is, without inquiring how it be¬ 
came what it is. We never look upon a scene but the sugges¬ 
tion arises as to what has transpired there. As a basis for the 


future study of History, it is believed that the outlines here, 
given will prove to be of the greatest utility to learners. 

The plan of the work is so simple and obvious, as to require 
few suggestions as to the mode of using it. The questions upon 
the first twenty pages are given with some fullness and particu¬ 
larity, as a guide to the manner in which the author proposes 
the exercises to be conducted. Afterward, they are more brief, 
it being supposed that the teacher will readily supply such as 
may be required. 

It will be observed that the subjects in each country are ar¬ 
ranged under distinct heads—as, Characteristics, Mountains, Val¬ 
leys, Rivers, Lakes, &c. These heads are in large type, and are 
so distinct and conspicuous as almost to supersede the necessity 
of printed questions upon the text. In regard to Exercises on 
the Maps, it may be convenient to lay down the following rules: * 

1. Ask the boundaries of a country. 

2. Where are its mountains; in which direction do the ranges 
run, &c. 

3. As to Rivers, ask where they rise; which way they flow; 
where they empty. 

4. As to Capes: Into wliat waters do they project; to what 
country do they belong. 

6. As to Straits: What waters do they connect. 

6. As to Bays, Gulfs, &c.: Between what countries do they 
lie. 

7. As to Peninsulas: Between what waters do they lie; 
wdth what country are they connected; by what isthmus. 

8. As to Islands: In what waters are they; what is the near¬ 
est main-land. 

9. As to Lakes, Deserts, Towns, &c., the questions may be— 
Where are they 1 What direction from the capital ? &c. 

If the pupil understands at the outset that he is expected to 
answer these questions, in relation to each country, he will pre¬ 
pare lumself to give intelligent answers, in his examination upon 
the maps. 
































INTRODUCTION: DEFINITIONS 


Lesson 1... Geography and History. 

j 1. Geography is a description of the earth. 

I 2. Geograpliy includes astronomy, which teaches us that the 
earth is a planet revolving round the sun: it includes geology, 
which considers the formation and structure of the globe. But 
the special province of geography is to describe the surface of 

I the earth, its distribution into land and water, and the various 

! objects, whether physical, moral, or political, which appear upon 
it. 

3. History is a record of past events. 

4. In its fullest extent, history means an account of past events, 
with the causes which led to them, and the consequences to 
which they tend. It is thus divided into two parts, descriptive 
and philosophical. It embraces chronology, which is a record of 
dates at which great events have happened; and geography, 
which exhibits the scenes in which they have happened. Minute 
geographical description of places is called topography. 

I Lesson II... Shape of the Earth. 

I 1. The Shape of the Earth is that of a globe, ball, 
or sphere. 

2. It is found, however, by calculation, that the earth is not a 


LESSON I. Questions —1. What is geography ? 2. What of as¬ 
tronomy? What o f geology ? 3. Wh ft is history ? 4. What does 

it mean, in its fullest extent ? How is it divided? What of topog¬ 
raphy? 


perfect sphere : it is flattened at the poles, so as to be twenty- 
six miles more in diameter at the equator than at the poles, and 
hence is called an oblate spheroid. 

3. In the early ages of the world, mankind supposed the 
earth to be a vast plain, terminating on all sides in a shoreless 
sea, or a region of darkness. This idea prevailed till about 400 
years ago, when the true form of the earth was ascertained— 
though some philosophers seem to have suspected the globular 
form of the earth at an earlier date. 

4. The spherical or globular shape of the earth is proved in 
many ways. 1. Persons have frequently been round the world, 
as a fly is seen to creep round an apple. Ships are in the con¬ 
stant habit of sailing round the earth. 2. When you are upon 
the top of a high mountain, you can see that the land and sea 
slope away on all sides, as if you stood on the top of a vast 
globe. 3. The sea is observed to be globular, for the masts of 
a ship are seen first in the distance, and the hull afterwards. 
4. An eclipse of the moon is occasioned by the earth coming be¬ 
tween the sun and moon, and casting its shadow upon the 
latter. This shadow of the earth is always observed to be cir¬ 
cular. 

5. The earth is surrounded by a thin transparent element, 
called the air or atmosphere, which exhibits the phenomena of 
rain, snow, clouds, &c. The solid body of the earth is com¬ 
posed of matter in many forms—as soil, rocks, fire, vapor, water 
vegetables, animals, &c. All these are kept together by a prin- 


LESSON II. 1. II7iat is the shape of the earth ? 2. Heno is 
the earth flattened at the ptoles ? What is it hence called? 3. What 
idea had the ancients respecting the earth ? When was the true form 
of the earth ascertained? 4. How is the globular form of the earth 


2 







































10 


MOTIONS AND MAGNITUDE OF THE EARTH, &c. 



View of the Earth, as seen from the Moon. 


ciple of attraction called gravitation. The operation of this is 
easily illustrated. 

6. If we throw a .stone into the air, it falls to the earth ; that 
is, it is drawn back to the earth by attraction or gravitation. It 
is tliis power, or principle, which keeps the hills, rocks, houses, 
cities, and seas, steadfast on the earth. Tliis principle never 
fails. It operates at all times, and in all places, over the whole 
surface of the globe, so tliat, upon whichever side we may be, 
we are kept upon it. Thus it is that every part of the surface 
of the world is habitable by man and animals. 

Lesson III... Motions and -Magnitude of the 

Earth. 

1. The motions of the earth are twofold—one 
diurnal, on its own axis, and one annual, round the 
sun. This double motion of the earth also belongs 
to the other planets, and perhaps to all the heavenly 
bodies. Day and night proceed from the first mo¬ 
tion, and the seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and 
winter, from the latter. 

2. Tlie pivot on which a wheel turns is called its axis. The 
earth is iinagined to have such an axis, or point of revolution, 
the ends of wjiicli are called the 'poles. The path of the earth, 
in its annual revolution, is called its orbit. The surface of the 
earth, with its burden of continents and seas, moves, at the 
equator, at the rate of about 1000 miles an hour, in its diurnal 
revolution ; and in its orbit, the whole globe flies along at the 
rate of 1000 miles a minute. 

3. The magnitude of the earth is found to be 
25,000 miles in circumference, and 8000 in diameter. 

Lesson IV... Globes and Maps. 

1. Globes and maps are the ordinary means for 
representing the earth’s surface. 

2. Artiticial globes represent the forms of the continents and 


oceans, the divisions of states and nations, the position of moun¬ 
tains, course of rivers, and sites of towns and cities. They also 
present the poZes, the equator, lines of latitude and longitude, the 
tropical lines, or boundaries of the zones, &c. 

3. Maps are imitations of the representations upon 
artificial globes, given on a flat surface. 

4. The bending lines in maps are designed to represent the 
globular form of the eartli. Maps may be general, giving the 
whole globe in two parts, or halves. These are called hemis¬ 
pheres. On a map of the Western Hemisphere, we find the 
continent of America: on a map of the Eastern Hemisphere, 
we find Europe, Asia, Africa, &c. Maps may be particular, 
giving only a portion of the surface of the earth, as Europe or 
America, or the United States, or the state of New York, &c. 

A map of a city or town is called a plan. 

5. The top of a map is always north, the right 
hand east, the bottom south, and the left hand west 

Lesson V... Latitude, Longitude, &:c. 

1. The lines on an artificial globe represent the ’ 

equator, longitude, latitude, the tropics, &c. ! 

2. The equator is an imaginary line drawn round the middle j 

of the earth, thus dividing it into two equal parts or hemi- ^ 
spheres. This line is, at all points, just 90 degrees, or about | 
6250 miles, from each of the poles. * j 

3. The line marked tropic f Cancer is 23^ degrees, or about [ 

1637 miles, north of the equator. The line marked tropic oj \ 
Capricorn is the same distance south of the equator. I 

4. The Arctic circle is 23| degrees from the nortli pole. The i 
Antartic circle is the same distance from the south pole. 

5. The latitude of a place is its distance from the 
equator. This is measured by degrees, each degree 
being 60 geographical miles, or GOf common miles. i 
The lines of latitude run east and west, and are par- ' 
allel to each other. Places north of the equator are 

in north latitude ; places south of it are in south 
latitude. The degrees of latitude are numbered on 
the sides of a map. 


proved ? 5. U7ta< of the air ?—composition of the earth ? 6. What 
is gravitation ? 

LESSON III. 1. What two motions has the earth? What of 
the planets, and other heavenly bodies? What effect has the diurnal 
motion ?—the annual ? 2. What are the poles ? iMiaf is the orbit ? 

IIoio rapidly does the surface of the earth move in its diurnal revolu¬ 
tion? What of its annual revolution? 3. What is the magnitude 
of the earth ? 

LESSON IV. 1. What of globes and 7naps? 2. What of artifi¬ 


cial globes? 3. Vliat are maps ? 4. What of the bending lines on 

maps? What of general maps? What do we find on a map of the 
Western Hemisphere ? On the Eastern ? What of particular maps ? 
5. What of the top of a map ?—the right hand, d'c. ? 

LESSON V. 1. What do the Imes on an artificial globe repre 
sent? 2. What is the equator? 3. What of the tropic of Cancer ? 
—tropic of Capricorn ? 4. What of the Arctic circle ?—the Antarc¬ 

tic? 5. What of latitude ? G. Longitude? 7. Erom what point is 
longitude reckoned? 8. What of the degrees of longitude? 








































]North. Pole 


Crawco 


Equator 


Ifrpc Saltit 

lOque I'I 


ic.fjt'.Caprfe 


Soiiilx Pole- 


77ie Wesien 


WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 


11 


6. Longitude is the distance of a place east or 
west from the point of reckoning. 

: 7. Tlie common point of beginning to reckon longitude is 

Greenwich, near London, in England; though most of our maps 
! also reckon from Washington, the capital of the United States. 

I 8. The degrees of longitude, on globe maps, are marked at 
tlie equator, and are there the same as the degrees of latitude; 
but, as we go north or south, the meridians approach each other, 
and unite at the poles. One hundred and eighty degrees of 
longitude go half round the world. If the numbers increase to 
the east, they denote east longitude: if toward the west, they 
denote west loyigitvde. 

I Lesson VL.. Zones ain] Climates. 

! 1. The earth is divided into five belts, or zones. 

j 2. The torrid or hot zone lies between the northern and south- 
j ern limits of the tropics; the two temperate zones lie, one 
I north of the tropic of Cancer, and one south of the tropic of 
j Capricorn; the two frigid zones lie, one north of the Arctic 
circle, and the other south of the Antarctic circle. 

3. The torrid zone is about 3243 miles wide, and 
extends like a broad belt around the whole earth. It 
derives its name from the great heat which prevails 
here, at all times. 

4. There is never snow or frost here. The climate, or general 
character of the weather, is always warm ; and instead of the 
seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and whiter, there are but 


two seasons, the wet and the dry. The wet season is called 
winter, and the dry season, summer. 

6. The vegetation in-the tropical regions is generally luxuri¬ 
ant. Fine fruits—such as oranges, lemons, pine-apples, cocoa- 
nuts, and rich melons—abound; and often the ripe fruit and 
opening blossom hang side by side, on the same tree. There 
are also delicious spices—as cinnamon, pepper, cloves, and nut¬ 
megs ; with other choice productions—such as coffee, sugar, 
indigo, &c. 



Scene in the Torrid Zone. 


6. Though thus favored by nature, these regions are subject 
to terrific whirlwinds, desolating earthquakes, and deadly fevers; 
while they are the abode of millions of tormenting insects and 


I* oSSOTT VI. 1. Into what zones, or belts, is th-e earth divided ? 
2 What of the five zones? 3. What of the torrid zone? 4. Its cli¬ 


mate? 5. Vegetation? 6. Convulsions of nature ? Animal life? 
hihabitants ? 1. What of the temperate zones ? 8. Fruits in 



































































12 


EASTERN HEMISPHERE. 


poisonous reptiles. Here also is the home of the lion and tlljer, 
the giraffe and hippopotamus, the anaconda and the crocodile, 
the rhinoceros and the elephant,—the giants and wonders of 
the animal kingdom. The inhabitants of the torrid zone are 
genendly black, or of a dark color. They are, for the most 
part,’ indolent, and live in slightly-built dwellings. 

7. In the temperate zones, the climate is mild, and 
here are the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, 
and winter. 



Scene in a Temperate Zone. 


8. The fruits in these zones are grapes, apples, pears, peaches, 
plums, cherries, strawberries, &c. The chief vegetable produc¬ 
tions are wheat, rye, oats, barley, and maize or Indian corn. 


the temperate zones? Vegetation? Animals? 9. Inhabitants? 

10. What of the two frigid zones ? 11. The southern ?—the 


In the warm parts, rice and cotton are produced. We nere see 
the ox, horse, ass^ camel, sheep, goat, and hog, in a state of do¬ 
mestication ; and in the forests, instead of the gigantic rhino¬ 
ceros and elephant, are the wild boar, wolf, buffalo, elk, deer, 
fox, and lynx. 

9. In the temperate zones, the people have, generally, a light 
or white skin. In the northern temperate zone, they are marked 
by industry, intelligence, and energy. Here are the chief seats 
of human improvement and civilization. Here the people are 
generally well clad, and, for the jnost part, live in substantial 
and comfortable houses. 

10. The northern and southern zones are called 
frigid, from the intense cold which prevails there for 
the greater part of the year. 

11. The southern frigid regions are little known; though it 
appears that, around the south pole, there is either a continent 
or a group of numerous islands. The land here is uninhab¬ 
ited, and always covered with snow and ice. The northern 
frigid regions are better known. 

12. There arc but two seasons here—a winter of nine months, 
and a summer of three. Vegetation is confined to mosses, 
and a few stunted trees, shrubs, and grasses. None but the 
hardiest animals, such as the reindeer, white bear, musk ox, 
and a few others, find subsistence in these icy regions. The 
inhabitants are few in number, of low stature.and swarthy com¬ 
plexion, and find their chief subsistence, along the shores of the 
frozen seas, upon seals, whales, and othaj’ marine animals. The 
Aurora Borealis, or Northern Light, is here seen in the 
greatest splendor. 


northern? 12. Vegetation? Animals? Inhabitants? What oj i 
the Aurora Borealis ? ' 



'Nortii Pole 


lOfspiarv 




JEq^uator 




(l a da gas car. 




South. Tote. 


The Eastern Hemisphere. 


I 





























































DIVISIONS OF THE LAND AND WATER. 


13 



Mountains, Hills, Lake, ttc. 


Lesson VII...Divisions of the Land. 

1. A continent is a great mass of land, not entirely 
oivided by water. 

2. There are two continents—the Western, including North 
and South America; and the£astem,including Europe, Africa, 
and Asia. Recent discoveries have led to the supposition that 
there is a continent around the south pole, which has received 
the name of the Antarctic Continent. 

3. The Grand Divisions of the Eastern Continent 
are Europe, Africa, and Asia ; those of the Western 
Continent are North and South America. The 
islands of the Pacific are included under the name 
of Oceanica. 

The continents are often spoken of as divided into countries : 
thus Europe has several countries; America has several coun¬ 
tries ; Asia has several countries, &c. 

4. An island is a body of land smaller- than a continent, sur¬ 
rounded by water. New Holland, New Guinea, Borneo, and 
Madagascar, are islands. 

5. A peninsula is any portion of land, connected by an 
isthmus to the main land. South America is a great peninsula, 
attached to this continent by the Isthmus of Darien: Africa is 
also a peninsula, attached to the eastern continent by the Isth¬ 
mus of Suez. 

6. A cape is a point of land projecting into water. A high 
or rocky projection into the sea is called a promontory. The 
south point of America is called Cape Horn; that of Africa is 
called Good Hope. 

7. A mountain is a great elevation of land; a hill is a smaller 
elevation of land; a valley is a depression between hills or 
mountains; a plain is a space of level, or nearly level, land. 

8. A mountain usually consists of several rugged and rocky 
elevations. Several mountains connected together are called a 
range or chain of mountains. The great range in South Amer¬ 
ica is called the Andes. 

LESSON VII. 1. What is a continent ? 2. What of the two 
continents? The Antarctic continent? 3. Grand divisions of the 
eastern continent ? The Western? Islands of the Pacific? How are 
the continents subdivided? 4. What is an island? Examples? 
5. What is a peninsula ? Examples? 6. Wliatis a cape? Exam¬ 
ples? A primontory? 7. What is animintain? A valley? A 
jiain? S. is a ranr/e or chain of mountains? Example? 


9. Volcanoes are mountains, which send forth fire, smoke, and 
melted stones, called lava. 

10. The mouth from which these things issue is a kind of 
chimney, and is called the crater. 

11. Many of the mountains in America, near the equator, are 
volcanoes. 

12. A coast, or shore, is the land bordering upon a lake or the 
sea. The borders of rivers are called banks. 

13. A desert is a barren tract of land, usually consisting of sand. 
The Desert of Sahara, in Africa, is 2000 miles long, and travel¬ 
ers are sometimes overwhelmed by the drifting clouds of sand. 
A fertile spot in a desert is called an oasis. 

14. The natural meadows of the west are called prairies. 
Plains of this kind are called pampas in South America, and 
steppes in Asia. 

Lesson VIII... Divisions of the Water. 

1. There is a great body of salt water surrounding 
the globe, called the ocean. It covers nearly three- 
fourths of the surface of the earth. Different por¬ 
tions of this universal sea have received different 
names. 

2. That vast sheet which lies between America on the west, 
and Europe and Africa on the east, is called i\i6 Atlantic Ocean. 

3. That which lies between America on the east, and Asia on 
the west, is called the Pacific. 

4. That ocean which lies south of Asia, and between New 
Holland and Africa, is called the Indian Ocean. 

5. The Oftcan around the north pole is called the Northern or 
Arctic Ocean; that which lies around the south pole is called 
the Southern or Antarctic Ocean. 

6. A sea is a portion of the ocean nearly inclosed by land, as 
the Caribbean, the Vlediterranean, &c. An archipelago is a sea 
iiearly filled with islands. A bay is a part of a sea or lake ex¬ 
tending into the land, as the Bay of Bengal. Large bays are 
called gulfs, as the Gulf of Mexico. 

9. What of volcanoes ? 10. What is a crater ? 12. What is a coast 
or shore? Borders of rivers ? 13. What is a desert ? Example?. 

What is an oasis ? 14. What of prairies ? Plains? Steppes? 

LESSON VIII. 1. What is the ocean ? What of different 
parts of the ocean? 2. What of the Pacific? 3. The Atlantic? 
4. The Indian? 5. The Arctic? The Antarctic? 6. What is 
a sea? Examples? An archipelago? xl bay? xi gv,lf ? B. A 


0 










































14 


NATURAL AND POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY, 


The Sea, Mountains, Volcano, City, d'c. 


7. Small sheltered bays are called harbors, or ports. 

8. A road, or roadstead, for ships, is a part of tlie open sea, 
where vessels may ride at anchor in safety. A strait is a narrow 
p.nssage connectinj; two bodies of water, as Behring’s Strait, 
the Strait of Gibralter, &c. A channel is a wider passage of a 
similar kind, as the British Channel. A passage so shallow as 
to be fathomed by the sounding-line of a ship is called a sound. 

9. A lake is a large sheet of fresh water inclosed 
by land, as Lake Superior. Small lakes are often 
called ponds, in our country. 

10. A river is a large stream of water, as the Mis¬ 
sissippi, the Amazon, the Nile, &c. Small streams 
of water are called brooks, creeks, rivulets, rills, &c. 

11. The basin of a river consists of the country from which 
the water is derived. A great river is usually supplied by many 
streams, all collecting their water from the slopes which consti¬ 
tute its basin. The land bordering on a river is c.alled its banks, 
as already stated. The right bank is that on the right side as 
vou descend the stream; the opposite bank is the left. 

12. A river which passes swiftly over rocky obstructions is 
called rapids. When the body of a river pitches over a preci¬ 
pice, it is called a cataract, fall, or cascade. The mouth of a river 
is its entrance into the sea mr other water. When a river en¬ 
ters by several mouths, the land is called delta, from its resem¬ 
blance, in shape, to the Greek letter of that name. 

13. A frith or estuary is the mouth of a river affected by the 
rising and falling of the tide. A canal is an artificial ditch filled 
with water, for the passage of boats. 

14. We may remark that while rivers, anim.als, trees, plants, 
and cities are found on the land, water is the abode of an infinite 
variety of fishes, from the size of the whale to that of the min¬ 
now. The sea, also, has a varied and peculiar vegetation. 

Lessoii IX... Niitiiial and Political Geography. 

1. Geographical topics are frequently viewed un¬ 
der a division into physical and political. 


roadstead? A strait? Example? A channel? A sound? 
9. A lake? A pond? 10. What is a river? Brooks, dc.? 
11, What of the basin of a river ? Hovi is a river supplied? The 
blinks of a river? 12. are rapids? Cataracts, dc.? The 

mouth of a river ? Wleat is a delta ? 13. WItat is a frith ? A 


2. In looking round upon the earth, we notice that the moun¬ 
tains and valleys, the lakes, seas, and oceans, are the works of 
God, or Nature. We observe that cities, roads, ships, are made 
by men, united into political societies. Geography is, therefore, 
divided into two parts— natural oi’ physical geography, which de¬ 
scribes the works of nature; and political geography, which de.- 
scribes the works and institutions of men in their sockl ca¬ 
pacity. 

3. Physical geography describes the soil, climate, mountains, 
rivers, and seas, of different countries. Political geography de¬ 
scribes the people of different countries, their condition, and 
their works. It describes their government, religion, degree of 
civilization, modes of building, dress, and traveling; their roads, 
railroads, canals, towns, cities, and villages; their trade and 
commerce; their manufactures, agriculture, and other industrial 
occupations. 

4. The earth was created by God to be the abode 
of myriads of happy creatures, but more especially 
to be the theater upon which Man is to prepare for 
a future and immortal existence. 

5. The various objects on the earth are divided, by natural¬ 
ists, into three classes, or kingdoms; the mineral, including the 
soils, rocks, waters, and all unorganized substances; the vege¬ 
table, including trees, plants, and shrubs; and the animal, includ¬ 
ing all beings which live, feel, and move. 

6. Vegetables draw their subsistence from the mineral king¬ 
dom, and thus prepare food for animals. Man stands at the 
head of the animal creation, and freely makes use of all he finds 
on the e;vrth, that may contribute to his happiness. This privi¬ 
lege is given him by liis Creator, and he enforces it by his supe¬ 
rior skill and wisdom. 

7. Animals are endowed with instincts, which 
guide them in the pursuit of happiness; but man 
must reach his maturity and perfection by means of 
education. Uneducated man is a savage. 

canal ? 14. What of animals and vegetables upon the land and in 

the sea ? 

TK.. 1.. How are geographical topics divided ? 2. What 
of the works of nature, and those of man ? 3. What does physical 

geography describe ? l^olitical geography ? 4. For what was th-e 

earth created by God? 5. Into what three classes are the objects upon 
the earth divided? 6. What of vegetables? What of man? 
7. What of man and animals, as to instinct and education? 8,9. Il- 


































































GOVERNMENT, RELIGION, &c. 


1.3 




m 



Works of Man .— View of London, Greenwich Railroad, doc. 


8. A chicken will run about, and pick up seeds, when a day 
old; a duck will swim as soon as Iiatched; a calf, or lamb, will 
walk about and take its milk from the mother, without help or 
instruction, in twelve hours after its birth. 

9. But an intant is the most helpless of beings. It must be 
taught to eat, to drink, to walk. Without education, man grows 
up rude and cruel; with it, he may become an enlightened 
being, acquainted with many sciences, and familiar with his duty 
I ere on earth, and his high destiny hereafter. 

10. Mankind are found in various stages of culti¬ 
vation. Some live chiefly by hunting, and are 
called savage ; some have partially emerged from 
the savage state, and are called barbarous; and 
some, having good houses, cities, written laws, and 
many good institutions, are called refined, enlight- 
cned, or civilized. 

Lesson X... Government 

1. The surface of the earth is occupied by differ¬ 
ent nations, and these are found in very different 
conditions as to government; some adopting one 
kind, and some another. 

2. A monarchy is a government conducted by one man, as a 
king, emperor, or military chieftain. If the government is lim¬ 
ited by law, it is called a Ihniled or constitutional monarchy, like 
that of England ; if not, it is called a despotic or absolute monarchy, 
like that of Russia. 

3. An aristocracy is a government conducted by a few leading 


lustrate this subject by examples. 10. Into what states or stayes is 
human society divided^ What of the savage state? The barbarous 
stale ? The civilized state ? 

LESSON X. 1. What of diferent nations? 2. Whntisamon- 
archy ? A limited monarchy ? A despotic monarchy ? 3. What is 


])ersons, called nobles. A democracy is a government in which 
the power is in the hands of the people at large. A republic is 
a state in which the government is conducted by persons chosen 
by the people as their agents or representatives. The United 
States, Mexico, &-c., are republics. 

4. The country of a king is usually called a kingdom; that of 
an emperor, an empire. Duchies, principalities, &c., are small 
governments in the hands of dukes, prince.s, &c. A patriarchal 
government is one in which an aged man rules, as a father over 
a family. Among savage tribes, the bravest warrior, or the 
wisest man in council, usually has a controlling influence, even 
though there is no regular system, or fsrm, of goveniment. 

5. Most well-governed countries are subdivided 
into districts, or counties, to aid in administering 
justice. 

6. In most countries, also, there are towns, or cities; and 
these have what is called a municipal government. Cities 
have governments, at the head of which is a Mayor, as¬ 
sisted by Aldermen, Common Council, &e. The seat of the 
government of a country is called its capital. Thxis, Washington 
is the capital of the United States; London, of Great Britain; 
and Paris, of France. 

Lesson XL.. Religion. 

1. All nations have some I'eligious notions, and 
few or none are without a general belief in rewards 
and punishments, bestowed by an overruling Deity, 
or Providence. 

2. The ideas of mankind are, however, very much diversified 
as to the character of the Deity, and the modes of doing him 


an aristocracy? A democracy ? A republic? 4. What is a king¬ 
dom ? An empire ? What are duchies, d'c. ? A patriarchal govern¬ 
ment? 5. What of districts ? G. Towns, cities, dc. ? What of the gov¬ 
ernment of cities ? The scat of government of a country ? Examples ? 

LESSON XI. 1. What of all nations in respect to religion? 

















































OCCUPATIONS OF MANKIND. 




homage. The belief in ChrisiianitiJi'pTevaila in Europe, and is 
embraced by about one-quarter of the human race. 

3. Christians are divided into Roman Catholics, Greek Catho¬ 
lics, Episcopalians, or those who belong to the English Church, 
Congregationalists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, 
Universalists, Friends, or Quakers, Moravians, &c. Christian 
places of worship are called churches or meeting-houses. 

4. The Jews are the descendants of the ancient inhabitants of 
Judea. They believe tlie Old Testament, and maintain the an¬ 
cient worship of their fathers, but reject the New Testament, and 
Christianity. Their places of worship are called synagogues. 

5. The Mahometans,'or Mussulmans, are believers in Maho¬ 
met, an Arabian, who pretended to bring a revelation from 
heaven, called the Koran. This religion predominates in Tur¬ 
key in Europe, and the western part of Asia. It is also scat¬ 
tered over other parts of Asia, and portions of Africa. Mahom¬ 
etan places of worship are called mosques. 

H. The Bramins and Buddhists, or worshipers of the Grand 
Lama, believe in a deity who holds communion with mankind 
through many inferior divinities, some of whom are good, and 
some bad. Of these they have images and idols, which they 
worship in temples, called pagodas. These religions prevail in 
the eastern part of Asia. 

7. Many ignorant and savage tribes, called pagans, believe in 
fetishes, or good and bad spirits, which dwell in particular places. 
They also put faith in idols and amulets. To their gods they 
pay a kind of worship, which often consists in dances, sacrifices, 
and other uncouth rites, designed to propitiate them. 

8. Christians maintain that all other religions than their own, 
are untrue; and if we compare the state of society in Christen¬ 
dom with that in other parts of the earth, we shall see that, 
while Christianity tends to enlighten and elevate the mind, all 
the heathen religions debase and degrade it. 

Lesson XIL.. Occupations of Mankind. 

1. Most of the animal tribes, as quadrupeds, birds, 
fishes, insects, &c., live on the spontaneous products 
of nature. 


2. The diversity of ideas on this subject ? Christianity ? 3. How 

are Christians divided? What are Christian places of worship 
called? 4. What are the Jews? In what do they believe ? Their 
places of worship ? 5. What are Mahometans ? 6. What of Bra- 

inins and Buddhists ? 1. Pagans? 8. What do Christians maintain ?, 


2. These have hair, or featliers, or scales, for clothing. They 
dwell in the open air, or in the water, without shelter, or in rude 
and inartificial houses and homes. 


A Jilanufactorij. 

3. It is otherwise with mankind. Tliey are born naked, and 
must have artificial clothing. They must have varioip^ kinds of 
food, mostly prepared by cookery; and finally, they must have 
well-constructed houses. 

4. In a savage state, the wants of man are few, and he lives 
almost like a beast; but as he grows more refined, his wants 
are multiplied, and, to supply them, he becomes a thinking, con¬ 
triving, industrious being. Thus the desires of man are the 
spirces of his improvement. 

5. In this state of society, some men devote them¬ 
selves to agriculture; that is, they till the land, and 
are called farmers, or husbandmen. To the labor ot 
the farmer we are indebted for wheat, rye, and other 
grains, which are made into bread, and for meat, 
milk, and the flax, wool, and cotton of which our 
clothing is made. 

6. Some persons d^mte themselves to the making 
of shoes, clothes, hats, and other articles : these are 

LESSON XU. 1. How do the animal tribes live? 2. Their 
clothing? Where do they dwell ? 3. What of man? 4. What of 

his wants in a savage state ? In a refined state ? 5. ]I7(a< of agri- 

cidture? 6. What are manufacturers? Mechanics? 7. Trade and 
commerce? 8. What are the advantages of commerce ^ 9 What of 


Mahomet directing his Disciples to Propagate his Religion by the Sword. 
























called manufacturers. Many men learn trades, such 
as that of the mason, carpenter, blacksmith, &c.: 
these are called mechanics. 

7. Some persons buy and sell different kinds of 
useful articles. The common business of buying and 
selling is called trade; that trade which is carried on 
in ships, or vessels, is called commerce. 

8. It is by means of commerce that the products of one coun¬ 
try are carried to other countries. By means of commerce, we 
get tea from China, pepper from Sumatra, coffee from Java, 
sugar from the West Indies, oranges and lemons from Portugal, 
figs from Smyrna, silks from France, &c. We give, in ex¬ 
change for these articles, the products of our own industry. 

9. Many persons devote themselves to mining, for 

the purpose of obtaining coal, iron, tin, copper, gold, 
and silver; others become ; others hunts¬ 

men ; others, again, fell trees, for timber. 

10. One of the principal occupations of society, in 
all ages of the world, has been that of war. 

11. The profession of the soldier has generally taken prece¬ 
dence of the industrial and productive occupations. Mankind 
have at last learned, however, that war is generally destructive 
to the best interests of the people at large, and hence, there is 
a growing love of peace among all intelligent nations. 

12. The productions of a country form an import¬ 

ant topic of geography. These are either vegetable, 
mineral, or animal. j 

13. The most important vegetable products are wheat, com, 
rye, rice, potatoes, cotton, trees for building, medicinal plants, 
&c. Tlie most important minerals are coal, lead, iron, tin, sil¬ 
ver, and gold. The most useful domestic animals are the horse, 
cow, and sheep. In some countries, the goat and ass are very 
useful, and in others, the camel and elephant supply the place 
of the horse. 


mining ? Fishermen ? Huntsmen, etc. i 10. What of war ? 
"L"].. The soldier ? War? Peace? tl. The productions of a cerun- 
trg? 13. The most important vegetable productions ? — minerals ?— 
animals? ■> 

LESSON XIII. 1. What of language ? 2. The languages of 
Europe? 3. What of letters and numerals in these languages? 

3 


Lesson XIII... Languages of Mankind. 

1. There are many different languages in the 
world, and even different letters and alphabets. 

2. All the languages of Europe have the same letters as our 
own, except the Greek and Turkish. The following are speci¬ 
mens of some of the principal European languages, given in the 
first line of the Lord’s prayer ;— 

1. English: Our Father, which art in heaven. 

2. German: Unser Vater, in dern himmel. 

3. Dutch: Onze Vader, die in de hemelen zijt. 

4. Latin: Pater noster, qui es in coelis. 

5. Italian: Padre nostro, che sei ne’ cieli. 

6^ Spanish: Padre nuestro, que estas en los cielos. 

7. French: Notre P6re, qui es aux cieux. 

3. In all these languages, the same letters are used: the 
numeral signs are also the same. As to numbers, they form a 
universal language for Europe and America: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, &c., 
though called by dilferent names, convey the same ideas 
throughout those countries. 

4. There are about eighty original languages in 
the world, with more than three thousand dialects, or 
branches. 

5. The English language, spoken by us, as well as by the 
people of Great Britain, is the most extensively used of any 
European tongue; the German is next; the French next; the 
Italian next; and the Spanish next. 

6. The books published in these languages are numerous, and 
embrace all kinds of literature; as science, law, religion, his¬ 
tory, tales, poetry, &,c. In these languages, there are newspa¬ 
pers and journals, which rapidly spread intelligence among the 
people. 

7. The rudest tribes of men have language; but many tongues 
are never used in writing, or in books. The number of dialects 
among the different American tribes was nearly two thousand; 
but tliey all had a general resemblance. 

8. There are many books in the Chinese, Persian, and Arabic 
languages, but they are far inferior to those of Europe. 


4. How many original languages are there? How many dialects? 

5. What of the English language ? Other languages ? 6. What oj 

books and nervspapers ? 7. The languages of rude tribes ? 8. The 

Chinese, <tc.? 


■i 








































































IS 


VIEW OF THE WOKLD. 



Lesson XIV,.. Geographical Outline. 

1. Orand Divisions. —The siirface of the globe is 
>iewed by geographers under Jive grand divisions. 

2. Extent and Population. —It is supposed to con¬ 
tain 200,000,000 square miles ; 50,000,000 of which are 
’and, and 150,000,000 water. The whole number of inhab¬ 
itants upon the globe is estimated at 1,000,000,000, distrib¬ 
uted as follows : 


Grand Divisions. 

Extent in square 
miles. 

Population. 

1 Ooenna. 

Extent in square 
miles. 

America...« 

Europe. 

Africa. 

Asia. 

15,000,000' 

3,500,000 

11,000,000 

16,000,000 

4,500,000 

65,000,000 

280,000,000 

65,000,000 

680,000,000 

20,000,000 

Northern. 
Pacific... 
Atlantic.. 

Indian_ 

Southern. 

2,000,000 

78,000,000 

20,000.000 

30,000,000 

20,000,000 

Oceanica. 

50,000,000 

1,000,000,000 

150,000,000 


3. Maps. —These are usually so drawn, that the West¬ 
ern Hemisphere contains the American continent, and the 
Eastern Hemisphere the eastern continent, embracing Europe, 
Africa, and Asia. 

4. Distribution of Eand. —In looking at maps of the 
Eastern and Western Hemispheres, it is obvious that by far 
the larger portion of the land on the globe lies north of the 
equator, or in the Northern Hemisphere. 

5. All North America, the West Indies, a portion of 
South America, all Europe, Asia, and nearly all Africa, lie 
in the Northern Hemisphere. 

6. The greater part of South America, a small portion 
of Africa, and the great island of Australia, lie in the 
Southern Hemisphere. 

7. Antarctic Continent. —Land has also been dis¬ 
covered in about latitude G8° south, which has led to the 


LESSON XIV. 1. How is the surface of the globe viewed by 
geographers? 2. Its extent? Popxdation of the globe ? Extent and 
population of America? Europe? Africa? Asia? Oceanica? 
Extent of the Northern Ocean? — Pacific, d'c. ? 3. How are maps 

usually drawn? 4. On which, side of the eguator is the largest mass 
of land? 5. What portions of land lie in the Northern Hcrnisplu re ? 


opinion that a large mass extends around the south pole, to 
which the title of the Antarctic Continent has been given. 

8. Population South of the Equator. —In gen¬ 
eral, it maybe stated that not more than 40,000,000 people 
—that is, not more than one-twentieth of the population of 
the globe—live south of the equator. 

Lesson XV... Historical Outline. 

1. Antiquity of the Earth. —By examining the sur¬ 
face of the earth, geologists have come to the conclusion that 
the globe on which we live has existed for many thou¬ 
sands of years. It appears to have undergone many revo¬ 
lutions, during which there have been several successive 
creations, by which the whole animal and mineral king¬ 
doms have been changed. 

2. Mosaic Creation. —But that creation oi which the 
Bible tells us, when the present continents and oceans were 
formed, and when the present races of animals, with Man 
himself^ were made by God, took place nearly 6,000 years 
ago. 

3. Earth prepared for Man. —Previous to this 
time, no human beings had existed on the earth. Various 
kinds of animals had lived and perished; vegetation had 
overspread the face of nature ; but, as yet, there had been 
no tenant of the globe endowed with intelligence sufficient to 
understand and appreciate the ways of Providence: but at 
last the earth was fitted and prepared to be the abode of 
man. 

4. Adam and Eve. —And now God created Adam 
and Eve. At this point of time, the history of the human 
race begins. We are entirely indebted to the first books of 
the Old Testament for an account of the creation, and the 
history of the Avorld for 2000 years after that event. The 

6. In the Southern ? 7. What of the Antarctic Continent ? 8. What 

of population south of the equator? 

LESSON XV. 1. To what conclusion have geologists come? 
2. What of that creation of which the Bible tells us ? 3. What of 

the time previous to the creation? 4. With what event does the his¬ 
tory of the human race begin ? For what are we indebted to the 



























































DISPERSION OF MANKIND. 


19 



View of Ancient Babylon, 


j history of subsequent ages is made up from inscriptions 
I upon monuments, the remains of sculpture, and from 
manuscripts, and documents of various kinds, 
i 5. Cain and Abel. —The Bible informs us that Adam 
; and Eve had several children ; the first of whom was Cain, 
and the next Abel. These quarreled, and Cain killed his 
brother : a terrible event, foreshadowing that strife which, 
in all ages, has filled the history of mankind with records 
of battle and bloodshed. 

6. The Deluge. —The place where Adam and his im¬ 
mediate descendants lived, was in the western part of Asia, 
w'here the climate was warm, and the soil fruitful; and as 
many of them lived to the age of eight or nine hundred 
years, they increased rapidly, and built large and populous 
cities. But they became very wicked, and the race was 
cut off by a Deluge, or Flood, 2348 years before Christ, 
or 1656 years after the creation. 

1. Noah — Babel. —Noah and his family, with pairs of 
the various animals, were saved in an Ark, which he built 
by command of God. These persons settled in the valley of 
the Euphrates, and their descendants began to build a 
tower, called Babel, w'hich should reach to the skies. But 
they were punished for their vanity, for, in the midst of 
their work, their language was confounded, so that the 
w^oikmen could not understand each other. This event, 
called the Confunion, of Tongues, took place 2247 years 
before Christ. , 

Lesson XVL. .Dispersion of Mankind. 

1. Emigration. —At this very early period, various 
bands of emigrants left the valley of the Euphrates, and 
settled in different parts of Asia. Some also proceeded to 
Africa, and founded the kingdom of Egypt, 2188 B. C. 

Bible ? How is the history of subsequent ages made up ? 5. IVhat 

of Cain and Abel f 6. Where did the descendants of Adam live? 
Why did mankind increase rapidly ? What did they build? Why 
vure they destroyed by the deluge? 7. What of Noah and the ark? 
Where did Noah and his descendants settle? What of Babel? 
Where did the confusion of tongues take place ? 

LE 330?^ XVI. 1. What of emigration from the valley of the 


2. After several centuries, other companies established 
themselves in Europe; still later, various tribes found their 
way to the islands of the Pacific, and at last to America. 
Thus the Five Grand Divisions of the earth were peopled by 
the descendants of Adam and Eve. 

3. Varieties among Mankind. —At the present 
time, we find mankind not only differing in government, re¬ 
ligion, manners, and customs, but also in personal appear¬ 
ance, in intelligence, character, and language. These varie¬ 
ties are supposed to be the result of diSerence in climate, 
food, government, and modes of life. 

4. Assyria. —Although large numbers of people emi¬ 
grated from the valley of the Euphrates, it appears that 
multitudes remained, and here the first great empire began, 
2229 B. C. This was called Assyri. 4, and its capital bore 
the name of Nineveh. The latter became a mighty city, 
with at least half a million of inhabitants; but it is now 
a heap of ruins—its houses, temples, and palaces being 
buried beneath the soil. 

5. Babylon. —Babylon was another great city, founded 
in these ancient times, and at no grea’t distance from Nine¬ 
veh. It became the most splendid city in the world, and 
is often mentioned in the Bible. This, too, has perished. 
Where kings, and queens, and princes once dwelt, the wolf 
and the jackal, the owd and the bat, find a secure retreat. 

6. Origin and Progress of Civilization. —It 
appears that civilization had thus its beginning in Western 
Asia. Here mankind first formed society, and organized 
government, and made progress in the arts and sciences. 
At no distant day, Egypt became the most enlightened, 
cultivated, and civilized country in the world. At a later 
period, the arts and sciences passed into Europe, where they 
were carried to a higher pitch than they had been before. 
America was discovered at a later date, and hithdr Euro¬ 
pean civilization Avas gradually transplanted. 

Euphrates? 2. What division of the world was settled next to 
Africa? 3. What do we fnd at the present time ? What are sup¬ 
posed to be the caitses of the differences in character, intelligence, lan¬ 
guage, (be., between different nations and tribes? 4. Where did the 
first next empire begin ? What of Assyria ?— Nineveh ? 5. Baby¬ 

lon? 6. Where did civilization begin? What did mankind first do 
in Western Asia ? Whed of Egypt? What of Europe ?—America t 







































m 



Lesson XVII... Western Hemisphere. 

1. Extent. —Tliis liemisphere contains the Continent 
of America, with a portion of tlie Atlantic Ocean on the east, 
and of the Pacific on the w^est. 

2. America. —This is supposed to Ife separated from 
Greenland and the land to the north, by the Arctic seas, and, 
therefore, to be entirely surrounded by several oceans. The 
Atlantic wa.shes it on the east, and the Pacific on the west. 

3. LiCng^tli and Width.— The lenffth oi the American 
continent is about nine thousand miles. Its loidfh is very 
unequal, varying from forty to three thousand miles. From 
the United States to Etfrope, across the Atlantic, it is about 
three thousand miles; to Asia, across the Pacific, it is 
about ten thousand miles. The eastern and western conti¬ 
nents come near together at Behring’s Strait, which is 
about forty miles wide, at the narrowest point. 

4. Characferistics. —America is distinguished for its 
vast lakes, its mighty rivers, and the longest chain of moun¬ 
tains in the world. The latter extends from Cape Horn to the 
Ajctic circle, and is nine thousand miles in length. The 
two chief rivers are the Mississippi and the Amazon. The 
largest lake is Lake Superior. 

5. Divisions. —The American continent is nearly di¬ 
vided, by the Gulf of Mexico, into North and South Amer¬ 
ica. Tlie Isthmus of Darien, which unites the great penin¬ 
sula of South America to the northern part of the continent, 
is but about 40 miles wide, at the narrowest part. 

6. Climate—Products. —America extends throucrh 
alt the zones, and furnishes a great variety of vegetable and 
animal products. It also affords rich mines of gold, silver, 
diamonds, lead, iron, &c. 

7. Domestic Animals, &c. —The horse, ox, sheep, 
goat, domestic cat, hen, drc., were not originally found in 
America, but were introduced by the Europeans. The 
j)otato, tobacco, and some other plants, were unknown till 


LESSON XVII. J. \Vliat does the Western Continent contain? 
I 2. What of America ? Boundaries ? 3. Length of the American 

'! continent? Width? What of Behring's Strait ? 4. For what is 

jl America distinguished? 5. What of the Gulf of Mexico ? Isthmus 

li of Darien? 6. Through what zones does America extend ? Itsvege- 

j table, animal, and mineral products ? 7. What of domestic bni- 

1 mats ? What of the potato, tobacco, d'c. ? Il7ia< of wheat, rye, eke. ? 


found on this continent; but wheat, rye, oats, barley, apples, ' 
pears, peaches, and many other things, were first brought 
hither by the white, settlers. j 

8. History — The Nortlimen. —About the year 
1000 A. D., America appears to have been discovered by 
some people from Iceland, descendants of the Northmen. , 
They made settlements upon the coast, but soon left the coun- ; 
try, and nothing Avas generally known of their adventures. j 

9. Columbus’ First Discovery. —About 500 years | 
after this, Christopher Columbus sailed, under the patronage j 
of the king and queen of Spain, to make discoveries in i 
the Atlantic. In October, 1492, he came in sight of one 

of the West India Islands. He afterwards visited Cuba and 
Hayti, and then returned to Spain, carrying the intelligence 
of his adventures. Thus the people of Europe gained their 
first knowledge of the Western Continent, to which they 
gave the name of the New World. 

10. Tlie Continent Explored. —Columbus made 
several voyages to America, and other navigators folloAved, 
so that the eastern coasts of the whole continent were 
soon explored. In the year 1513, a Spaniard, by the name 
of Balboa, discovered the Pacific Ocean. 

11. Division of the Territory. —The European 

nations soon took possession of North and South America, 
Spain seized upon the larger portion ; Portugal acquired the 
vast country which now constitutes the empire of Brazil ; 
England made settlements along the coast, from Georgia to i 
Maine; and France took possession of Canada and theval- i 
ley of the Mississippi. . | 

12. Indians. —When America was discovered by Co¬ 

lumbus, it was found to be inhabited by a peculiar race 
of people, who receiv'ed the name of Indians. . They were 
mostly in a savage state ; but tAA'o great empires, Mexico 
and Peru, had made some advances in civilization. The 
Indians were subdued, and the Avhite races became the 
ruling people throughout the continent. i 

8. What of the Northmen ? 9. \Wiat of Christopher Columbus ? 

When did he first discover one of the West Indian islands ? 

10. What immediately followed the first discovery of Columbus? j 

11. What did the European nations do ? What of Spain ? j 

Portugal? England? France? 12. What of the original in- ■ 
habitants of America ? What change has taken place in the inhah- \ 
itants of America ? ‘ 



















































ExlnU of Aiiifrira, 15.000.000 sq. m. 
“ N. AnipriPii, 8,000.000 “ 

“ S. America, 7,000,000 “ 


THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. 


arctic zone 


21 


Population of impripa. 55,000,000. 
•* Aniprira, 40.000,000. 

S. America, 18,000,000. 



IIow is A nifir/ca hounded on the north ? East ? South ? IFesf ? 
Where is Baffin's Ba;i ? lIwlsoiCs Baj ? GiOf oj Jfexico? Ca¬ 
ribbean Sea / Behritiffs Straits / 

Win re is Green'and? Newfoundland? 

What rape forms the most eastern part of America ? The most 
southern ? 

Where is the peninsula of Blorida? Of Alaska ? 


•ANTARCTIC 

What isthmus connects the jtcninsula of North America with South 
America? 

Where is the Andes range of mountains ? The Cordilleras ? The 
Rockg Mountains? 

Through udiat part of South America does the equator run ? 

What countries lie between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer? 
What countries lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Arctic 
Circle ? 

What countries lie between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn ? 
]]'hnt between the Tropic of Cancer and the Antarctic Circle? 

Extent of America / Population ? The same of North America ? 
South America? 



















































































ICarOi Pole 


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Extent of Europe, 3,500.000 sq. m. 

“ Africa, 11,000,000 » 

“ Asia, 16,000,000 “ 

Oceanica, 4,500,000 “ 


EASTERN HEMISPHERE 

arctic zone 


Population of Europe, 280,000,000. 

“ Asia, 580,000,000. 

“ Africa, 65.000.000. 

“ Oceanica, 20,000,000. 


Lesson XIX...Exercises on Map of Eastern 
Hemisphere. 

What continent is embraced in the Eastern Hemisphere f What 
great island is in the Eastern Hemisphere ? 

What three grand divisions are embraced in the Eastern Con ' 
ne.nt 2 Boundaries of Europe ? Asia ? Africa ? 

ir here is the Mediterranean Sea ? Red Sea f Arabian Sea ? 
Bay o f Bengal ? 

What cape, at the northern extremity of Europe ? At the western 
point of Africa? At the southern point of Africa? 


In what part of A sia are the Himmaleh mountains ? Where is the 
desert of Gobi ? Where is the great desert of Sahara ? 

By what isthmus is the great peninsula of Africa connected with 
the continent ? What two peninsulas form the southern part of Asia ? 

Name theprincipMl countries and islands which lie within the tor¬ 
rid zone. 

N^ame the principal countries and islands which lie within the north 
temperate zone. 

Name the principal countries and islands which lie within the 
south temperate zone. 

Extent of Europe? Population? The same of Africa, Asia, 
<kc. ? ' ' 

















































































EASTERN HEMISPHERE. 


26 



Scene in the Early Ages of the World. — Semiramis, Queen of Assyria. 


Lesson XX... Eastern Hemisphere. 

1. Comparative Cxteiit and Population. —The 

Eastern Hemisphere contains nearly twice as much land as 
the Western, and nearly twenty times as many people. Its 
greatest length is about 6000 miles, and its greatest width 
about’6500. 

2. Divisions. —The Eastern Continent is entirely sur¬ 
rounded by the ocean, being separated from America by 
Behring’s Straits. It contains Europe, Asia, and Africa; 
also Australia, or New Holland, which is about as extensive 
as the United States, and is the largest island in the world. 

3. Zones and Climates. —The whole of Europe, and 
the greater part of Asia, lie within the northern temperate 
zone. These countries have, for the most part, a mild cli¬ 
mate : the northern portions are cold, and the southern warm. 

4. Vegetation. —The vegetation of Europe and Asia is 
similar. The animals of Europe and Northern Asia are the 
same. In Southern Asia, there are lions, tigers, elephants, 
rhinoceroses, and other animals, common to hot regions. 

5. Africa. —The greater part of Africa lies within the 
tropics, and here are the hottest portions of the globe. 
The country is remarkable for many curious animals, and 
a peculiar race of people, called Negroes. 

6. New Holland lies near the equator, and has a mild 
climate, with vegetable and animal products not found 
elsewhere. Extensive gold mines were discovered in 1851. 

7. History. —As we have already stated, the human 
nice began their career in the Eastern Continent, and very 
near its center. By looking on the annexed map, it will 
be perceived that the place selected by Providence for the 
cradle of the human family was very peculiar. 

8. Eden, &c. —It w'as on a territory about 1200 miles 
long, and 700 wide, inclosed between the Mediterranean 
Sea, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Persitm Gulf, the 
Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea, that the Garden of Eden, 


the first great Empires, and the principal places mentioned 
in the Bible, existed. 

9. There is not another spot on the globe so favorable 
to the increase of mankind, and the rapid development of 
society and its various institutions, as this. It bordered 
upon the northern tropic, and the people had every pos¬ 
sible advantage of climate. 

10. It Avas encircled by no less than six seas and gulfs 
favorable to navigation. It Avas intersected by numerous 
streams, and teemed Avith all the diversified products of 
the A'egetable, mineral, and animal kingdoms. It Avas the 
Eden of the World, and an omniscient Providence selected 
it as the paradise of the first human pair. 

11. Tlic East. —Even noAv, after ages of oppression, 
nature here still bears the traces of its original beauty. 
Under the title of The East, it is thus celebrated by the poet: 

“ Know ye tlie land where the cypress and myrtle 

Are emblems of deeds that are done in their clime ; 

Where the rage of the vulture, the love of the turtle, 

Noav melt into sorroAV, now madden to crime ? 

Know ye the land of the cedar and vine? 

Where the tloAvers ever blossom, the beams ever shine; 

Where the light wings of Zephyr, oppressed Avith perfum«. 

Wax faint o’er the gardens of Giill in her bloom; 

Where the citron and olive are fairest of fruit. 

And the voice of the nightingale never is mute ; 

Where the tints of the earth, and the hues of the sky, 

In color though A’aried, in beauty may vie. 

And tlie puri)le of ocean is deepest in dye ; 

Where the virgins are soft as the roses they twine. 

And all, save the spirit of Man, is divine ? 

’Tis the clime of the Ea.st —’tis the land of the Sun :— 

Can he smile on such deeds as his children have done ?” 

12. Emigration. —We liaA-e already remarked that, 
after the dispersion from Babel, the population seemed to 
floAvin all directions—Asia being first settled, then Africa, and 
then Europe. The history of these several portions of the 
Eastern Continent Avill be given under their separate heads. 


LESSON XX. 1. Comparative extent and population of the 
Eastern Hemisphere? 2. Divisions? 3. Zones and climates? 
4. Vegetation of Europe and As-ia ? Animals? 5. Africa? 
6. New Holland? 7. Wltere did the human race begin their ca¬ 
reer ? What can you say of this particular spot ? 8. Describe the 


territory where the. first natioi^s had their rise. ^Vhat empires and 
places existed here ? 9, 10. What were the favorable circumstances of 

this territory ? What of Providence ? 11. What of this region at 

the preseid time ? Recite the descriptive lines of the poet. 12. What 
of emigration and population ? 








































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EKercises on Map of North America. 


Boundaries of North America? Extent? Population? Population 
to stjiiare mile? Boundaries of Russian America? British America ? 
United States? Mexico? Guatiinala? 

Describe the. following islands: North Georgia Isles; Melville 
Island; Iceland; Greenland: Newfoundland; Cape Breton ; Cuba^ 
Describe the following; Baffin's Bau; Davis' Strait: Hudsonls 
Bay; Strait of Bellisle; Chesyyeake hay; Gulf of Mexico; Carib¬ 
bean Sea: Guff cf California; Behring's Strait 


Describe the following mountains: Alleghany ; Mexican Cordil¬ 
leras ; Rocky Mountains. 

Describe the following lakes: Superior; Michigan; Great Slave; 
Great Bear; Winnipeg. 

Describe the following peninsulas: Labrador; Florida; Yucatan; 
Old California; Alaska. 

Describe the following rivers: Mississippi; St. Lawrence; Del 
Nort*' ■ Mackenzie s. 

->ngfrom Washington: Licktenfels; Quebec 
''SCO; Russian America. 


\ 

! 



















































AMEKICA. 


25 


NOKTH 


Lesson XXI... General View. 


1. Characteristics. —The coasts of North America 
are very irregular, and are indented by vast gulfs and bays. 
It contains the largest lake, the longest river, tlie most 
sublime cataract, and the finest valley in the world. 

2. Moiiiitaiiis. —The Mexican •Cordilleras and the 
Rocky Mountains are one continuous chain. The loftiest 
peak of the former, Popocatepetl, in Mexico, is volcanic. 
It is continually burning, though for several centuries it 
has ejected from its crater only smoke and ashes. 

3. Volcanoes. —Several other peaks of the Cordilleras 
are also volcanoes. Orizaba, the height of which is 17,370 
feet, burns only at intervals. Jorullo, near Mexico, is of 
recent origin, having been first thrown up in 1759. This 
mountain ejects flame and ashes. 

4. Rocky ITIouiitains. —These run nearly north and 
south, from 200 to 700 miles distance from the Pacific. 
They cross the U. States, having the territories of California 
and Oregon on the west. The loftiest peak is Brown 
Mountain. 

5. Pacific Raiig^c. —There is a broken and irregular 
range along the border of the Pacific, called Snoioy Moun¬ 
tains. Mount Saint Elias is one of this range, and is the 
loftiest peak in North America. 

G. Apalacliian Chain. —This lies in the United 
States, and passes under various names, which will be no¬ 
ticed hereafter. 

The following are the greatest heights of various 
ranges: 


Highcu peak. 


1. Mexican Cordilleras. 17,735 

2. Rocky Mountains. 16,000 


Highest peak. 


3. White Mountains* • . 6,440 

4. Snowy Mountains. 17,900 


I 


7. Valleys. —The ttvo largest valleys in North America 
are those of the Mississippi and the St. Lawrence. The 
former is one of the most prolific regions on the globe. 

8. Rivers. —The Mississippi, measuring from the source 
of the Missouri, which may be considered its head stream, 
is the longest river in the world. Several other rivers of 
North America are longer than any in Europe. 


Length in miles. 


1. Mississippi. 3,‘-00 

2. Missouri....-. 2,600 

3. Mackenzie’s. 2,500 

4. St. Lawrence. 2,200 


Length in miles. 


5. Arkansas. 2,,5(X) 

6. Rio del Norte. 1,800 

7. Columbia. 1,200 

8. Red. 1,200 


9. Cakes—Cataract. —North America is renowned 


for its great lakes. The largest. Lake Superior, is about 
one-third part as extensive as the kingdom of Great Britain 
and Irehind. Between lakes Erie and Ontario is the sub¬ 
lime cataract of Niagara. 


Extent in square mites. 


1. Great Bear. 9.000 

2. Great Slave. 10,500 

3. Winnipeg. 10,000 

4. Superior..... 38,000 


Extent in square miles. 


5. Huron . 24,000 

6. Michigan. 22,000 

7. Erie. 12,000 

8. Ontario. 10,000 


10. Islands. — Greenland is now ascertained to be an 


island. It is more than 1400 miles long, and is probably 
the largest island in the world, except New Holland ; but 
we do not know how far it extends to the north. Iceland, 
lying near to Greenland, is considered as belonging to 


j LUSSON XXI. 1. Characteristics of North America ? 
j 2. Mmmtains? 3. Volcanoes? 4. Rocky Mountains? 5. Pa- 
I cific Range? 6. Apalachiaji Chain? 7. Valleys? 8. Rivers? 

I j 9. Lakes? Cataract? 10. Islands? 11. Climate and Vegeta- 


Europe, though it is much nearer to America, and physically 
belongs to this continent. 


Exteutin square miles 

4. Hayti. 29,400 

5. Vancouver’s. 28,000 


Extent in square miles. 

1. Greenland.720.000 

2. Cuba. 43,400 

3. Newfoundland. 36,000 

11 . Climate and Veg:etation. —North America em¬ 
braces every climate, and contains a great variety of vege¬ 
table productions. It may be remarked that it is colder 
along the Atlantic coast, by about six degrees, than on the 
opposite shore, along the borders of Europe. 

12. Animals and jtlinerals. —Among the principal 
native animals are the musk ox, white bear, and silver fox, 
of the polar regions. In the temperate parts are the bison, 
and several species of bear, deer, &c. In the southern por¬ 
tions are alligators, and a variety of poisonous serpents. 
Most kinds of minerals are also abundant in North America. 

13. Political Divisions. —The northern portions of 
North America belong to Denmark, Russia, and Great 
Britain; the central portion to the United States ; and the 
southern to various nations. The West Indies lie be¬ 
tween North and South America, but we shall include 
them in our view of the former. 

Government. 


1. Greenland,Danish Amer¬ 

ica.Colonial. 

2. Russian America.Colonial. 

3. British America.Colonial. 


Government. 


4. United States.Republican. 

5. Mexico.Republican. 

6. Guatimala.Republican. 

7. West Indies.Colonial. 


14. Iiiliabitants. —The inhabitants of North America- 
consist of the white descendants of different European na¬ 


tions, Negroes, Indians, and mixed races. The white races 


are everywhere the governing people, except among the wild 
tribes of Indians, and in the Island of Hayti, where the 
people are chiefly of African descent, and have an inde¬ 
pendent government. These races are thus distributed : 


Indians.. 4.000,000 | Mixed races. 2,.500,00<. 

Negroes.. 5,500,000 | Whites.28,000,001 

15. History—English Discoveries. —South Amer¬ 
ica was discovered by Columbus, in 1498, but North America 
was discovered the year previous, along the coast of Lab¬ 
rador, by John and Sebastian Cabot, two Italians sent out 
by the king of England, Henry VII. The next year, Sebas¬ 
tian discovered Virginia; and in 1517, he entered one of 
the straits which leads into Hudson’s Bay. 

16. Spanish Discoveries. —Ponce de Leon, a Span¬ 
iard, discovered Florida in 1512 ; Yucatan was discovered by ' 
Fernandez de Cordova, in 1517 and Mexico, by Grijalva,' 
in 1518. De Soto discovered the Mississippi in 1542. 

17. French Discoveries. —Verranzi, a Florentine, 
sent out by Francis I., touched along the coast, in 1524, 
from North Carolina to Rhode Island. He afterwards pro¬ 
ceeded to Newfoundland, and explored its shores. In 
1534-5, James Cartier entered the gulf and river St. Law¬ 
rence, giving them their present name. He passed up as 
far as Montreal, and took possession of the country in the 
name of the kir*g of France. 

18. Possessions of the French, English, and 
Spaniards. —These discoveries, with others which fol¬ 
lowed, became the foundation of the several claims of these 
nations to territories in North America. 


f- 


tion? 12. Animals? Minerals? 13. Political Divisions? 
1.^. Inhabitants? 15. English discoveries ? 16. Spanish discover¬ 
ies? 17. French Discoveries? 18. Possessions of the French, 
English, and Spaniards ? 


1 









































































26 


UNITED STATES. 


Extent, 3,100,000 square miles.—Population in 1850, 23,257,723.—Population to the square mile. 7.22 



Ian,'.West from, Greeuwi^ 


'Oic Wools 


NORTH-WEST 


Salem 


'rvmTiawjma^; 




1 s SEW'l^^N'PttTlt, CAROLINA-V.c TTa tl.-i 


1 Vallejo 
ErancisqdC 


jronteri 


01an.1Vest froA Greenwich. 2 


Lesson XXII...The United States. 

1. Cliaracteristics. —The United States occupy the 
middle part of North America, and are remarkable as 
being the most enlightened and populous country in Amer¬ 
ica, and the most powerful republic in the world. 

2. Exfeiif. —They extend about 2700 miles in length, 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Their width, from 
north to south, is about 1400 miles. 

3. Climate and Products. —Reachinef throuo-h 

• • ® ® 

more than 20 degrees of latitude, the climate is greatly 
varied. In the northern parts, the winter is severe, and lasts 
six months of the year. Here the chief products are grain of 
various kinds, grass, apples, pears, &c. The people, driven 
to industry by the soil and climate, devote a large share of 
their attention to manufactures, commerce, and fisheries. 

4. In the .middle portions, wheat, Indian corn, tobacco, 
and various fruits, are cultivated with success. The sugar- 
maple flourishes, and thousands of pounds of maple sugar 
are annually produced. In the southern portions, the cli¬ 
mate is hot, and tobacco, cotton, rice, oranges, figs, &c., 
abound. 

5. Soil. —This is greatly diversified. Some portions are 
barren, but a large share of the land is highly prolific. 
The great valley of the Mississippi, as already stated, is one 
of the most fruitful regions on the face of the earth. 

6. Moiiiitaiiis.— Two principal ranges of mountains 

LESSON XXII. 1. Characteristics of the United States? 
2. Extent? 3, 4. Climate and products? 5. Soil? 6. 


cross the United States. The Apalachian chain extends from 
Georgia to Maine, and includes the Cumberland Mountains 
of Tennessee, the Alleghanies of Pennsylvania, the Catskills 
of New York, and the Green Mountain range of New Eng¬ 
land. The other great range is that of the Rocky Mountains. 


Hiyhl. 

Long’s Peak, Rocky Monnlains l;k.'>75 
White Mountains, N.Hampshire 6,440 
Ozark. 2,.500 


flight. 

Peaks of Otter, Virginia. 4.260 

Catskill. 3,S00 


7. Rivers.— The great rivers of the United States lie 
in the basin of the Mississippi. Those which flow into the 
Mississippi from the west have their sources in the Rocky 
Mountains ; those Avhich flow into it from the east have 
their sources in the Apalachian chain. In the various 
spurs and branches of the latter, the rivers which empty 
into the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, also take their rise. 


Len<rih. i 

Mississippi, including the Missouri 4000 
Missouri. 2600 


Length. 

Arkansas. 2.500 

Coiumbia...1200 


8. EaRcs.—The Great Lakes, Avhich lie partly within 
the United States, form a grand feature of our continent, 
and present the extraordinary spectacle of inland seas of 
fresh water, sufficient in extent to become the theater of 
battles between hostile navies, and the scene of the most 
busy and thriving commerce. The shipping upon Lake 
Erie is now greater than that of the whole tJnitcd States 
at the beginning of the Revolution. 

9. Inliabitauts—Eaiig:uag:c.—The population of 
the United States consists chiefly of whites, the descendants 

tains? Iliahest peaks? 1. Rivers? Length? Lakes? 9./n- 
’ \0. Indians? 11.. Government ? 12. See- 


' -nr.'MX. Bestenx 
















































































UNITED 

of Europeans ; the remainder are Indians and Negroes. The 
whites are chiefly of English descent, and the Englisli lan- 
gu;ige is nearly universal. The white settlements extend 
from the Atlantic to a considerable distance west of the 
Mississippi. The negroes are about three millions in num¬ 
ber, and the larger part are slaves. 

10. ijidiaiis. —The Indians are greatly reduced from 
their original population, and probably do not exceed four 
hundjed thousand. There are few of them east of the 
Mississippi; but in the Western Territories thev are nu¬ 
merous. Some of them have partly adopted the" habits of 
civilized life, but many of them still make hunting and war 
their chief pursuits. 

11. €rOVcrnment. —The government of the United 
States is a Federal Republic —that is, one general republic, 

I formed of about thirty smaller republics. 

I 12. Dii'isiou into Four Sections. —Though the 
United States are generally viewed under four sections, as 
the Faslern, Middle, Western, and Southern, yet this is 
only an arrangement for the convenience of geographical 
description. 

13. Tlie Separate States. —Each of the United 
States is a republic, and has a distinct government, con¬ 
sisting of a Governor, Senate, and House of Representa- 

1 tives. These make local laws for the several states, and 

i attend to their local interests. All the officers of the state 
and gener.d governments are, directly or indirectljg chosen 
by the people. 

14. OlJiccrs of the Oenerai Government. —The 

General Government of the United States consists of a 

' President, Senate, and House of Representatives, who 
govern the United States, so far as their national interests 
are concerned. 

15. Their Powers and. Duties. —They manage af¬ 
fairs witli foreign nations ; make peace and war ; control the 
army and navy; regulate commerce; sustain the post- 
office establishment, &c. The powers of the government 
are laid down in a document called the Federal Constitu- 

\ tion, because it unites, or leagues, several distinct states, or 
republics, into one grand republic. 

16 . Religfion. —All religions are tolerated in the United, 
States, and every person is at liberty to worship Gdd ac¬ 
cording to the dictates of his conscience. The most numer- 
ous persuasions are the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, 

I and Congregationalists. There are also many Roman Catho¬ 
lics, Episcopalians, Universalists, Lutherans, Moravians, Ac., 
to which may now be added the new sect called Mor¬ 
mons. 

\ 17. Industrial Pursuits. —The leading occupation of 

the people of the United States is The South- 

1 ern and Western States are chiefly agricultural. The Mid¬ 
dle States are largely concerned in agriculture, manufac¬ 
tures, and commerce. Manufactures and commerce form 
leading pursuits in New England, though agriculture and 
the fisheries are considerable sources of wealth. 

18. Capital of the Fnited States. —The seat of 
the general government is at Wcishington. This city is in 
the District of Columbia, between Maryland and Virgmia. 
Congress, consisting of the Senate and House of Repre¬ 
sentatives, meets here every winter, to make laws. 


lions ?. 13. Separate states ? 14. Officers of the general govern¬ 
ment? 15. Tlteir powers and duties ? 16. Religion? 17. Indus¬ 

trial pursuits? 18. Capital of the United States? 19. Cities? 
20. Itistances from Washington? 21. Steam Xavigalion ? 22. In- 


STATES. 27 

19. Cities.—The following is a list of the chief cities 
of the United States, with their population : 

New York. SIS-.W I New Orloaus. 119.461 

Philadelphia. 4(ia76e | Ciiicinimti . 115.4:K. 

Baltimore. BW.O.Vl St. I,()uis. 77.8611 

Boston. 136,871 | Lowell. 33,:i{i3 

20. Distances from Wasliint^ton : 

New York.Miles. ‘325 j Astoria. <Ireijori.Miles. 3(H)() 

Ainrushu .Maine. .W5 i Ciiiehec, Canada. 840 

New Orleans. 1172! Havana, \V. 1. mm 

.\ustin, Te.xas. l.'.OU 1 Siui Francisco . 3000 

21. Steam Navigation.—The great lakes and numer¬ 
ous rivers of this country afford immense advantages for ini er- 
nal naHgation. Steam navigation, which was first practised 
in tlie United States, is carried to a higher degree of per¬ 
fection here than elsewhere. 

22. Internal Improvements.—Cantils are numer¬ 
ous, and lines of railroad cross the country in every direction. 
The National Road, built by the general government, extends 
from Cumberland, in Maryland, westward, crossing the 
states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, to Missouri. 
Lines of magnetic telegraphs extend through the whole 
length of the countiy, from Maine to New Orleans. 

. 23. Physical Sections.—From a general \'iew of the 
United States, as presented by the large map, pages 28 
and 29, we perceive that it is divided into three physical 
sections—the Atlantic Slope, the Pacific Slope, and the 
Great Central Valley of the Mississippi. 

24. Atlantic Slope.—This is a narrow tract two or 
three hundred miles in width, having the Atlantic on the east, 
and the Apalachian chain on the west. Toward the sea, 
this territory is generally low and level; toward the moun¬ 
tains, it becomes elevated into hills and ridges. Tlie whole 
tract is crossed by short rivers rising in the high lands, and 
pouring their waters into the Atlantic, or the Gulf of IMexico. 

25. Pacific Slope.—This is bounded by the Pacific on 
the west, and the Rocky Mountains on the east. It is di¬ 
vided into two sections by a range of mountains running 
north and south, about 150 miles from the coast. The 
chief rivers of this region are the Colorado, which empties 
into the Gulf of California, with the San Joaquin, Sacra¬ 
mento, and Columbia, which empty into the Pacific. 

26. The Mississippi Valley.—This contains nearly 
two-thirds of the territory of the United States ; it is 
one of the most fertile tracts in the world, and is supposed 
to be capable of sustaining a population of 500,000,000. 
The whole of the Mississippi, the largest river in the world, 
lies Avithin this valley, and four of its tributaries would be 
ranked among the largest streams in Europe. 

27. Efiiicafioii.—This great instrument of human iin- 
provement is highly appreciated, and National Education 
is regarded, in all the states, as an object of the first con¬ 
sideration. In the single state of New York, there are 
nearly 11,000 common schools. At the same time, it may 
be remarked that colleges and higher seminaries are more 
numerous here than in any other countiy in the world. 

28. Progressive Populalioii.—The population of 
the United States doubles in about twenty-five years. In 
1776, when our Declaration of Independence was made, 
we had three millions; in 1850, we had 23 milligns; in 
1900, we shall probably have 75 millions—a population 
beyond that of any other government, save that of China. 


ternal improvements? 23. What of three physical sections? 
24. The Atlantic Slope? 25. The Pacific Slope? 26. Missis¬ 
sippi Valley? Mississippi River? 21. Education? 2Q. Progres¬ 

sive population? 













































Exercises on the Map of the United States. 


90" The teacher will omit or extend these questions, according to his 
judgment. 

liounilitriesof the United States ? Extent? Population? Poimla- 
t ion to the square mile? What mountains in the eastern part? What 
1 /wunluins in the icestern? What great finer nearly in the centre of 
the United States? Latitude and longitude of \\ ushington ? How 
many degrees of latitude are occupied by the United States? How 
many degrees of longitude ? 

Ciipes.—Describe the following: Cape Cod; Cape Henry; Cape 


! Charles; Cape Hatteras: Cape Jjookout; Cape Fear; Cape Florida; 
I Cape Conception ; Cape Blanco; Ca/ie Flattery. 

iiavM .—Describe the following bays: Delawaie ; Savannah; Avala- 
\ chee ; Pensacola ; Barataria ; Galveston; Matagorda ; Santos; Mont- 

! ..... .. . _ LV.... 


erey ; San Francisco. 

.Vioiintaiii!*.— Where are the following mountains? Cumberland ; 
Black ; Blue Ridge ; Alleghany ; Green Ozark ; Rocky Mountains ; 
Green; Spmush Peak; Black Hills; Fremont's Peak; Wahsalch ; 
Mount Olympus; Mount Rainer; Snowy Range; Coast Range. 

Iv'/icre are the following ? Superior; Michigan-, Huron; 
Eri "; Ontario; Great Salt. 











































































95 


9|3 


89 


8[7 


81 


Xon.’NVest I'rom (Jrecnwiah- 


^sa. 







JliuTtibee^ 
P \ ^ 




- ' ff M<h S 

L.Nil'issiu^l 


KTemisconnuu/ 





-u-i. 
Ukt^'a; 


Joseph, Tetroit 
\ .Kulajuaaoo 

^ VC loieclo®, 
c^::;^ -r^li. tuspcaaty V ^ce, 

1 / ^ 

t^lJ oiiuius^Tl / J 'CVf i:l)elianc( 

i , 

Danvilli*.: j/Xal'ayirt <c 1; ■ O j H. I 
1 = eoiJcnniTr^ 
lA'TM’OUSj 'T-^Py ' 
/ »■ •(T^'x'rtnn 

Uimt© 1: 

ukvme 


A)V 


46 


Calitrncf' -M- 


14 


K'VA/Ni: 

. r3^^. VHrk* 






So\in*i\^ 







)' 

^4. 


^VQ=--3^>^*'«45J,<ic 



.nas 





3V 


.Arxl-lAUA^^fi 



\J 


32 



V 





30; 


>6 


F 


OF 21 F 2C1 T 

ficale of Miles ^ 


•.;ti(j 


■.Uii) 




Rivers.— Describe ear.hoj the Jolloii'iiiff rivers: I. i hose which flow 
INTO THE Atlantic — Keyinebec; Coniteci icut ; Dud son ; Delnware; Poto¬ 
mac ; James; Roanoke ; Cape Fear; Savannah; Oconee; Ogechee; 
Oakmulgee. 

2. 'I'liosE WHICH FLOW INTO THE diLF OF MEXICO —Ajmlachicola ; 
Black Warrior; Pascagoula; Pearl; Mississippi; Sabine; Trinity; 
Brazos: Colorado; Guadaloupe ; Neuces ; Rio Grande 

3. '1 HOSE WHICH FLOW INTO THE MISSISSIPPI ERO.M THE EaST— U'lSCO/IA'lH ; 

Rock: Illinois; Ohio; Yazoo. 

4. From THE West— SI, Peter’s; Des Moines; Mi.'^.^onri; St. Fran¬ 
cis; Arkansas; Red. 




^ %'■ \\ PC C- S’ 




5. Those WHICH ilow into the (.llf of ( alii orma and Pacific —Rio 
Colorado; Rio Giia ; Rio de los Americanos ; Sacramento; Columbia. 



linn ; Georgia ; Florida ; Alabama; Mississippi; Louisiana; Texas; 
Michigan ; Ohio; Indiana; Kentucky; Tennessee; Arkansas; Illi¬ 
nois; Missouri ; Iowa ; Wisconsin ; California, (?) 

TvrviHivie-.,—Boundaries of each of the J'ollowing: Minesota ; Ne- 
broMka; Misscari; Indian; Oregon; Utah,{?); Kew Mexico 









































































































30 


HISTORY OF THE UNITED S TES. 



Emigration of Roger Williams to Rhode Island. 


Lesson XXlll...History of the United States. 

1. Orig:iii of file United States. —The United 
States had tlieir origin in thirteen English colonies, which 
combined, in I'ZTo, against the mother country, and, after 
a war of eight years, achieved their independence. The 
first overt act of this war was the battle of Lexington—a 
skirmish between the people of Lexington and Concord, in 
Massachusetts, and the British troops stationed at Boston, 
who marched to these places to destroy some military 
stores. The war which followed, and the various acts con¬ 
nected with it, are called, in American history, the Revolution. 

2. Discoveries and Settlements of the IVortli- 
men. —It is generally believed that about the year 1000 
A. D., certain maritime adventurers from Norway and 
Sweden, called Northmen, discovered the coasts of North 
America, and made settlements in Massachusetts and Rhode 
Island. These were, however, abandoned after two or three 
years, and were never known in Europe, or Avere entirely 
forgotten, in the time of Columbus. 

3. Modern Discoveries. —In the year 1498, Se- 
bastian Cabot, an Italian, in the employ of England, discov¬ 
ered Virginia. In 1524, Verrazani, also an Italian, sent 
out by France, discovered the eoast of North Carolina. 
Here he landed, and had some interviews with the natives. 
He landed also near New York and at Newport. In 1528, 
Narvaez, a Spaniard, discovered and took possession of 
Florida, in behalf of the king of Spain. The Hudson river 
was discovered in 1609, by Henry Hudson, an English navi¬ 
gator, sent hither by some Dutch speculators. • 

4. Settlements. —Various attempts were made to 
effect settlements in this quarter, but they all proved un¬ 
successful till 1607. At that time, about 100 persons ar¬ 
rived from England, and founded the colony of Virginia. 
This was the first English settlement within the present 
United States. New York was settled by the Dutch in 
1614 ; Massachusetts by the Puritans, in 1620 ; Rhode 
Island by Roger Williams, in 1636 ; and Connecticut about 
the same time. Georgia, the last of the thirteen colonies, Avas 

LESSON XXIII. 1. What of the origin of the United States? 
Battle of Lexington ? The Revolution? 2. What of the discoveries and 
settlements of the Northmen ? 3. More modern discoveries? 4. What 


settled in 1732. The particular history of each of these 
Avill be found under their several heads. 

5. Foundation of flic Settlements. —The foun¬ 
dation of these English settlements was a claim made by 
King James I. of England, founded upon the discoA'eries of 
Sebastian Cabot and others, to the Avhole territory from 
Halifiix to Floiida. The settlement of the Dutch at Nasw 
York Avas deemed a violation of this right, and accordingly 
that colony AA'as taken by the British in 1664, and remained 
in their possession, excepting for a short space in 1673. 

6. Tlie Frciicli and Indian War. —It Avill be re¬ 
membered that the French had possessed themselves of the 
Avhole country from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Great 
Lakes. Their colonies here were A-ery important, and they 
began to extend them soutlnvard, so as to occupy the great 
valley of the Mississippi. This roused the jealousy of the 
English, and in 1754 a war broke out, Avhich Avas chiefly 
carried on along the boundary, betAveen the French and 
English settlements. For several years, the contest Avas 
fierce and bloody. Both parties employed Indian Avarriors, 
Avho inflicted the most terrible barbarities upon the people 
along the northern borders of Maine, Ncav Hampshire, and 
NeAv York. Hundreds of villages Avere laid in ashes, and 
thousands Avere killed or carried into captivity. Many Avere 
subjected to the most cruel tortures. 

7. Surrender of tlie Frencli Colonies. —At 
length, in the year 1759, the English, under the command 
of Gen. Wolfe, scaled the rocky hights of Quebec at night, 
and the next day captured that city, after a bloody conflict 
Avith the French army. Soon after, the other portions of 
the country submitted, and, by the peace of 1763, the 
French possessions in North America Avere finally ceded to 
the British. Thus they became possessed of the greater 
part of that immense territory noAv called British America. 

8. Causes of the Revolution. —About the year 
1764, the British government began to impose severe and 
oppressiA'e taxes upon the English colonies. The people 
remonstrated, and sent petitions both to the parliament and 
king, but Avithout effect. As the people grcAv restless, 

of settlements ? 5. Foundation of these settlements ? 6. What of 

the old French and Indian war ? 7. Surrender of the French colo¬ 

nies? 8. What of the causes of the Revolution? 9. What of throw- 







































HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 


31 



Thromng over the Tea. 


es{ eciall}’’ in Massachusetts, troops were sent over to keep 
them in order. In 1770, some of these being insulted in the 
streets of Boston, fired upon the populace, and killed and 
wounded several of them. The greatest e.\citement fol¬ 
lowed. 

9. Throwing: over the Tea, &c.—In 1773, the 
people being angry at the tax imposed upon tea, refused to 
let that article be landed from the British ships. In Bos¬ 
ton, a party of men, disguised as Indians, went on board 
some vessels in the harbor, and emptied 340 chests into 
the water. The port of Boston was now closed by the 
British parliament. This act soon brought on a crisis. The 
assemblies of several of the colonies prepared for war, and 
a hirge British force in Boston, commanded by Gen. Gage, 
began to throw up fortificat’jns, and prepare for defence. 

10. Events of 1775. —On the 18th of April of this 
year, Gen. Gage dispatched 800 men to destroy some 
military stores at Concord, 16 miles from Boston. On their 
way, they met some of the people in arms at Lexington, fired 
upon them, and killed and wounded several. They then 
proceeded to Concord ; but very soon the people began to 
fire upon them from behind the houses and fences along the 
road. They retreated, but 300 were killed and wounded. 
The news of this event, called the Battle of Lexington, spread 
rapidly over the country, and the people came thronging to 
the vicinity of Boston, where they soon amounted to several 
thousands. Taking possession of a hill in Charleston, on 
the night of the 16th of June, they threw up intrench- 
ments, and the next morning boldly faced the British army 
in Boston. The latter speedily began an attack, and a 
fierce and bloody engagement followed. The Americans 
were at length obliged to retreat, for want of ammunition ; 
but the British lost 1000 men in killed and wounded, while 
the American loss was less than half that number. Such was 
the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. Other interesting 
events speedily followed. Congress had assembled at Phi¬ 
ladelphia, and now appointed George Washington com- 
majider of the American forces. He reached Cambridge, 


near Boston, the 12th Julj^ where he found 14,000 Amer¬ 
icans in arms, of whom he took the command. 

11. Events of 1776. —In March, Washington got 
possession of Dorchester Heights, which commanded the 
city of Boston, together Avith the harbor. The British 
troops were accordingly forced to retire on the l7th June, 
taking with them 1500 American families, who were op¬ 
posed to the revolution, and loyal to the king of England. 
On the 4th July, Congress made a formal Declaration oj 
Independence, which was hailed rvith joy by the people at 
large. On the 27 th August was fought the Battle of Long 
Inland, in which the Americans Avere defeated, Avith the 
loss of 1000 men. In consequence, Washington Avas 
obliged to leave NeAv York, Avhich Avas immediately occu¬ 
pied by the British, and held by them till the close of the 
Avar. Toward the end of the year, the American cause 
seemed almost desperate ; but the hopes of the country 
were revived by tAvo brilliant victories in NeAv Jersey, 
achieved by Washington, called the Battles of Trenton and 
Princeton. 

12. Events of 1777. —At this period, the war raged 
over the Avhole country. On the 26th September, the 
British entered Philadelphia, after several severe battles. 
On the 8th October, Gen. Burgoyne, Avho Avas advancing 
from Canada, Avas compelled to surrender, Ayith his Avhole 
army of 6000 men, to the American general. Gates, after 
obstinate engagements at StilhA'ater and Saratoga. This 
important victory revived the hopes of the country, and led 
other nations to expect the success of our arms. 

13. Events of 1778. —In February of this year, 
France acknowledged the independence of the United States, 
and soon after sent troops and ships to our aid. On^ the 
18th June, the British retrea ted from Philadelphia toAvard 
NeAV York; but being overtaken by Washington at Afon- 
mouih, on the 28th, a severe engagement followed, inAvhich 
the enemy suffered considerable loss. 

14. Events of 1779. —During this year, the war Avas 
conducted on an extended scale. At the north, the British 


ing over the tea at Boston ? 10. Events of 1775 ? 11. Principal 


events o/" 1776 ? 12. Principal events (^1777 ? 13. Events o/" 1778 I 




































32 HISTORY OF THE 

troops were chiefly occupied in burning towns and villages, 
and other petty enterprises. At the south, in Georgia and 
Carolina, various actions took place, but none of a decisive 
character. The Indians in Western New York, called the 
Six Nations, having made themselves very troublesome, 
were attacked by Gen. Sullivan. Forty villages were 
burnt, and 150,000 bushels of corn were destroyed. By 
these means, these savages were reduced to a state of sub¬ 
mission. The French fleet, under Count d’Estaing, made 
various movements at sea, but with no special advantage to 
the American cause. Spain declared war against Great 
Britain, and, united with France, made most formidable 
demonstrations against that country. The English, how¬ 
ever, met the emergency with extraordinary energy, and 
seemed fulh^ equal to the crisis. 

15. Events of 1780. —This was a year of important 
and stirring occurrences. The British army was largely 
increased, and thus enabled to carry on its operations with 
great vigor. Gen. Clinton, leaving New York for the com¬ 
mand of the southern army, laid siege to Charleston, de¬ 
fended by Gen. Lincoln, and captured that city. May r2th. 
The war in the south was actively sustained by bands of 
American patriots, under Sumter, Marion, and oth'- s ; 
but defeat and disappointment attended our cause. At this 
gloomy period, Benedict Arnold, a general who had fought 
bravelv in our service, having the command of a strong fort 
at West Point, on the Hudson river, turned traitor to his 
country, and sought to deliver it into the hands of the 
British. The plot was discovered, and Arnold fled. He 
received about 50,000 dollars and a General’s commission 
from the British, for his treason ; but shame and ignominy 
attended him ever after. Even the British hated and de¬ 
spised him. Major Andre, a brave young Englishman, who 
negotiated the business with Arnold, was taken and exe¬ 
cuted as a spy. On the whole, the year 1780 may be re¬ 
garded as the gloomiest and most disheartening year of the 
Revolutionary War. 

16. Events of 1781. —Early in this year, the pros¬ 
pects of our country brightened. Gen. Greene, at the head 
of our southern forces, performed a series of remarkable 
manoeuvres, very annoying and destructive to the enemy. 
At last, Gen. Cornwallis, the British commander, moved 
northward, and took his station at Yorktown, in Virginia. 
Washington, with the northern army, suddenly marched 
soulhw'ard, in conjunction wnth a large body of French 
troops. Cornwallis was speedily encompassed by these 
forces and the French fleet under the Count de Grasse. 

j Thus hemmed in on all sides, the British general made a 

j brave defence; but on the 19th October, finding his re- 

I doubts demolished, an’d every hope of retreat cut off, he 
surrendered wnth his whole army of 7000 men. This 
e\'ent was decisive of the war, for the British people had 
become weary of the contest, and the government felt the 
necessity of putting an end to a struggle which had cost 
tliem immense blood and treasure, and now offered little 
hope of success. 

17. Events of 1782-3.— After the surrender of Corn¬ 
wallis, there was little fij^htinsr on either side. In Novem- 
her, 1782, preliminary articles were signed at Paris be- 
tw«‘en the agents of Great Britain and America ; and on 
the 3d September of the same year, a definite treaty of 
peace was made between England, France, Spain, Holland, 

14. Eventn ? 15. Events of 1780 ? 16. Events of 1781 ? 

17. Events <y 1782 - 3 ? 18. What of Co7igress? The Confedera- ' 


UNITED STATES. 

and the United States ; the latter being now recognized as 
a f ree, sovereign, and indvpendent nation. ~ \ 

18. Tlie Constitution— 1783 to 1789. —During j 

the war, Congress had been constantly in session. This j 
body consisted of delegates from the several states. Tliey j 

acted under a constitution, called the Articles of Con- \ 

federation. When the war was over, and new interests 
sprung up, this system was found, imperfect and insuf 
ficient. A convention was therefore called, which met at 
Philadelphia, in May, 1787, and, after a session of four 
months, they framed and recommended to the people the 
present excellent Constitution. This was adopted by a 
majority of the states, and under it, George Washington 
was elected first President of the Union. 

19. Wasliiiistoii’s AdmiiiisfrutioBi— 1789 to 
1797. —The first Congress under the new constitution 
met at New York on the 4th March, 1789, and on the 30th 
April, Washington took the prescribed oath of office.. The 
new government went at once intociisy and successful oper¬ 
ation. Washington displayed, as president, more fully those 
great virtues and abilities which had marked his military 
life, and he w'as consequently re-elected at the end of four 
years. During his administration, the restless Indians along 
our borders were reduced to submission, treaties were 
formed with foreign nations, the machinery of our govern¬ 
ment was organized and perfected, and society at large, 
emerging from the state of poverty, anxiety, and chaos in¬ 
duced by the war, was brought to a state of order, pi os- 
perity, and peace.- The love and pride of country, called 
patriotism, grew up under the fostering care of Washing¬ 
ton, and it has continued, undiminished, to the present day. 

20. Adams’ Administration— 1797 to 1801. — 

John Adams, of Quincy, Mass., a law 3 'er of great ability, 
a member of the Continental Congress, and an able and 
eloquent supporter of the American cause through the 
whole Revolution, was elected president, and took the oath 
of office, March 4th, 1797. The French Revolution had 
broken out the same year that Washington became presi¬ 
dent. It produced immense, excitement throughout the 
civilized world; and as the French had aided us in our 
struggle for liberty, the people of this country ardently 
sympathized with a movement which seemed to pi'omise the 
blessings of liberty to France. But the revolution there 
took an unfortunate turn ; bad men seized the power, and 
our own country experienced serious embarrassments from 
that quarter. A war seemed inevitable, and {)rejiarations 
for it were made by Congress; but. happily, the crisis 
passed Avithout a resort to arms. In December, 1799, 
after a short illness, Washington died, and the whole coun¬ 
try mourned for him. He is still remembered under the 
endearing title of the Father of his Countrxi. In the year 

1800, the seat of government was removed from Philadel¬ 
phia to Washington, which has since been the capital of the 
United States. 

21. Jefl'crson’s Admiiiistratioii— 1801 to 1809. 

—Thomas Jefferson, of \7irginia, Avho had been a leader in 
the Revolution, and vice-president under Mr. Adams, was 
elected president, and took the oath of office, March 4, 

1801. In April, 1803, an immense territory,called Louisi¬ 
ana, was purchased of France for $15,000,000. In July, 
1804, Gen. Alexander Hamilton, of New York, was killed, i 
in a duel, by Col. Burr, also of that city Both these men j 

tio7i ? The present constitution ? 19. Wlxat of Washington's ad- \ 

‘ ministratioji ? 20. Adams' administration ? 21, What of Jeffer- 


















HISTORY OF THI 

were eminent, and Burr Avas at the time vice-president of 
the United States. At tlie end of his first term, Jefferson 
was re-elected to the presidency. Several other interesting 
events took place during this period, but we have not space 
to enumerate them. It may be proper to say, hoAvever, 
that France and England being at war, they adopted mea¬ 
sures injurious to our commerce, Avhich induced Congress 
to lay an miar^o,‘December 22d, 1807, upon all shipping 
in our ports. This Avas soon taken off, and an act of com¬ 
mercial non-intercourse with France and England Avas 
passed. 

22. Madison’s Administration—1809 to 1817. 

—James Madison, an eminent hiAvyer and statesman of Vir¬ 
ginia, became president of the United States on 4th March, 
1809. The difficulties Avith France and England continued. 
Gen. Harrison, Avho had been sent to subdue the Indians of 
the Avest, Avas \iolently attacked on the 7th November, 
1811, by a large body of savage warriors. The contest 
Avtis fierce and bloody, but the Americans at last preA-ailed. 
Both parties suffered severe loss. This, conflict is called 
the Battle of Tippecanoe, from the little river upon Avhose 
banks it Avas fought. On the 18th June, 1812, Congress 
declared war against Great Britain. The chief events of 
this contest took place along our northern border. Many 
battles Avere fought, but Avithout decisive advantage on 
either side. At sea, our little navy achieA'ed a series of the 
most brilliant victories. The British fleets were captured 
both on Lake Champlain and Lake Erie. On January 8, 
1815, Gen. Jackson having command of the American 
army at Ncav Orleans, repulsed 12,000 British troops, led 
on by Gen. Packenham, in an attack upon that city. The 
loss of the British Avas nearly 2000 men, Avith the first and 
second officers in command. The loss of the Americans 
was seven killed and six Avounded. PreAUous to this 
event—that is, on the 24th December, 1814—a treaty of 
peace had been signed by the American and British com¬ 
missioners, at the city of Ghent, in Holland. The news of 
this had not been received in Ncav Orleans Avhen the battle 
there Avas fought. Immediately after the Avar Avith Great 
Brihiin, our government deemed it necessary to send a squad¬ 
ron into the Mediterranean, to chastise Algiers and the other 
Barbary states, who had committed piracies upon our com¬ 
merce. Under the command of Decatur, this force speedily 
brought Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli to terms of submission, 
and obtained payment of large sums of money for viola¬ 
tions of neutrality during the Avar with England. 

23. Monroe’s Administration—1817 to 1835. 
—James Monroe, of Virginia, became president, March 4, 
1817. During his administration of eight years, the Semi¬ 
nole Indians, Avho had committed depredations, were sub¬ 
dued. In 1819, Florida was obtained bg treaty from Spain. 
A number of states Avere admitted into the Union. La 
Fayette, a brave and generous Frenchman, Avho had served 
in our armies during the Revolution, revisited our country 
in 1824, and Avas everywhere received Avith acclamations of 
welcome by the people. The country, recovering from the 
disasters of the Avar, was restored to the blessings of peace 
and prosperity. 

24. J. Adams’ Administration—1825 to 

1829. —John Quincy Adams, of Massachusetts, son of the 
former president, and a distinguished statesman, became 

il UNITED STATES. 33 

president, March 4th, 1825. On the 4th July, 1826, the 
fiftieth anniversary of American independence, both John 
Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. No great national 

OA'ent occurred during this administration. 

25. Jackson’s Administration—1829 to 1837. 

—John Quincy Adams and his fatlier both failed of a sec¬ 
ond election. With these exceptions, all the other presi¬ 
dents had been re-elected, and served for eight years. 

Gen. Jackson Avas chosen president for his high military 
services, and took the oath of office March 4, 1829. His 
administration Avas distinguished by hostility to the United 

States Bank, which had existed for forty years. A neAv | 

charter w'us refused, and it terminated in 1836. Opposi¬ 
tion to the existing tariff ^irose in the south, and, headed by 

J. C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, the principles oi nullif- 
cation Avere adopted, by Avhich a single state claimed the 
right to nullify and set aside the laws of the United States. 

This difficulty Avas pacified, February 12, 1833, by the 
celebrated Compromise bill introduced by Henry Clay, of 
Kentucky, by Avhich a gradual reduction of duties Avas pro¬ 
vided for. A formidable tvar with the Seminoles com¬ 
menced in 1835, Avhich Avas not terminated till 1841. This 
contest Avas attended with tlie loss of many valuable lives, 
and a cost to the country of f irty millions of dollars. 

26. Van Biiren’s A«lmiiustration — 1837 to 
1841. —Martin Van Buren, of New York, became presi¬ 
dent, March 4th, 1837. His administration Avas distin¬ 
guished by the continuance and close of the Seminole war 
and by great commercial embarrassments. 

27. Harrison and Tyler’s Administration — 

1841 to 1845. —William Henry Harrison, of Ohio, became 
president, March 4, 1841. At the end of a montli, he 
died, and the vice-president, John Tyler, of Virginia, suc¬ 
ceeded him. During his term of office, a serious difficulty 
took place in Rhode Island, called Dorr's Rebellion, Avhich 

Avas, hoAvever, appeased by the adoption of a nevv constitu¬ 
tion. ,The boundary of Maine, which had been long in dis¬ 
pute, was settled by treaty, negotiated at Washington, by 

Lord Ashburton, on the part of Great Britain, and Mr.* 
Webster, Secretary of State, on the part of the United 
States. In February, 1845, Texas was annexed to the 
Union, and the next year became a state. 

28. Polk’s Administration — 1845 to 1849. — 

James K. Polk, of Tennessee, became president, March 4, 

1845. The great CA'ent of his administration AA^as the war 
with Mexico, Avhich commenced in 1846, and ended in 1848. 
During this Avar, Gen. Taylor distinguished himself by sev¬ 
eral brilliant victories ; and Gen. Scott captured the cities 
of Vera Cruz, Puebla, and Mexico, the capital of the country. 
Mexico Avas completely humbled, and in the treaty of 1848, 
the extensiA'e territories of Noav Mexico and California were 
ceded to the United States. During this administration, 
the boundary of the Oregon territory, which had given rise 
to a dispute Avith Great Britain, was settled 1846. 

29. Taylor’s Administration — President Fill¬ 
more. —Gen. Zachary Taylor, of Mississippi, became 
president, March 4, 1849. On the 9th July, 1850, after 
a short illness, he expired, leaving bghind him the reputa¬ 
tion of a singularly pure, upright, and devoted patriot. 
Millard Fillmore, of New York, vice-president, immedi¬ 
ately succeeded him. 

soris administration? 22. What of MadisorCs administration? 
'23. What of Monroe’s administration ? 24. What of J.Q. Adams’ 
administration? 25. Jackson’s administration? 26. Van Buren’s \ 

5 

administration ? 2 7. What of Harrison and TyleVs administra¬ 

tion? 28. What of Polk’s administration? 29. Taylor’s adminis¬ 
tration ? 















34 


ac 


ts 

sa 

ti 

cn 


bi 

»*• 

9 

9 

yi 


y: 

U 


NEW ENGLAND. 


Extent, 63,326 square miles. 


XcuL. AVesl 


3 -Tr cnn Greenwidi- 



i' 


NEW ENGLAND. 

Scale of Mies 


loji. East from. < 


’SortcTi 


10 


■1 

tyi 


!y> 

9 


9* 


9 

s 

2, 

9 

es 

ty! 


Ob 

i'C' 


Population in 1850, 2,727,597.—Population to the square mile, 43. 


Lesson XXIV...New England. 

1. Characteristics.— These six states have been thus 
described: 

New England hath a climate cold, 

A rugged soil, and mountains hold; 

But yet her hills are tilled with care; 

Her villages are bright and fair; 

Exercises on the Map of New England .—Boundaries of 
New England? Extent? Popidation? Popvdation to square 
mile ? Describe the followrng: Bay of Fundy ; Penobscot Bay; 
Afassachusetts Bay; Cape Cod. Where are the following lakes: 


The church’s spire decks every scene, 

Tlie schoolhouse every village green; 

While busy factories ply the wheel. 

And commerce speeds the adventmous keel. 

The fisherman defies the gale ; 

The bold harpooner strikes the whale; 

The hunter roams the forest track; 

And each liis gathered spoil brings back 
To Yankee land, his cherished home. 

Blest with his store, no more to roam. 

Champlain? AIooseHcad? Winnipiseogee ? Describe the following 
rivers: Connecticut; Merrimac; Androscoggin ; Kennebec. Boun¬ 
daries and capital of each state ? 

LESSON XXIV. 1. Characteristics of New England ? 2. Moutu 




































































NEW ENGLAND. 


35 


I 


2. Mountains. —These states are crossed, along the 
western boundary, by the Green Mountain range. Mount 
Washington, in New Hampshire, one of the White Moun¬ 
tains, is six thousand four hundred feet high, and is the 
loftiest peak in this quarter of the United States. 

3. Face of tlie Country. —This is greatly diversified. 
In the interior it is mountainous, with narrow vales be¬ 
tween. The land along the sea-shore presents an irregular 
surface of hills and ridges, with flats of moderate extent. 
The numerous lakes and ponds of New England form a 
charming feature in the scenery. 

4. Soil and Climate. —Much of the soil is good, yet 
it requires diligent cultivation in order to obtain fair crops. 
The climate is severe, and it is necessary to make careful 
preparation for the long winters. The indifference of the 
soil, and the severity of the climate, have compelled the 
people to be industrious, frugal, and enterprising. 

5. The following are the principal rivers : 


Length in miles. 


Connecticut.310 

Kennebec.900 

Penobscot.160 


Length in miles. 


Androscoggin.130 

Ilousatouic. 75 


6. Industry and Enterprise. —The coast is indented 
with numerous harbors, and the inhabitants have been, there¬ 
fore, invited to maritime enterprises. They are largely en¬ 
gaged in the cod, mackerel, and whah fisheries, and their com¬ 
merce is very extensive. Their manufactures, too, are numer¬ 
ous, and on a liberal scale. Even the granite of their hills, and 
the ice formed upon their lakes, are extensively exported. 
Thus industry has conquered the obstacles of nature and 
climate, and scattered wealth and plenty over a region of 
comparative sterility. 

7. Political Divisions. —The political divisions of 
New Enghmd are as follows: 

state of Maine, | State of Massachusetts, 

“ “ New Hampshire, “ “ Rhode Island, 

“ “ Vermont, I “ “ Connecticut. 


8. Products. —The leading product of agriculture in 
New England is grass for grazing and hay ; besides this, 
wheat, Indian corn, oats, barley, potatoes, &c., are pro¬ 
duced in considerable quantities. Horses, cattle, sheep, and 
hogs, are raised in great numbers. The chief fruits are 
apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, currants, &c. 

9. Chief Towns. — Boston, standing at the head of 
Boston bay, is the commercial metropolis of Neiv England, 
and its ships are found on every sea of the globe. It is 
also the great mart of the country for domestic manufac¬ 
tures, as cotton goods, woolens, shoes, boots, &c. Numer¬ 
ous railroads branch off in every direction, and facilitate its 
intercourse with different parts of the country. New Bed¬ 
ford and Nantucket are the chief places engaged in the 
whale fisheries. Lowell is renowned for its manufactures. 


10. The popul 

Boston. 

Lowell. 

Providence. 

New Haven. 

Portland. 


ation of the chief towns is as follows : 


In 1840. 

111 1840. 
136.871 
.33,:i83 


In 1840. 

Ill 1850. 
13,555 

20.796 

Concord. 


8.584 

23.171 

41.512 

Augusta. 


8,225 

.14,890 

20,345 

Montpelier. 


4,310 

15,218 

20,815 

Manchester, N. H -. 

.3,-235 

13,932 


11. The following is 

Towns. 

Quebec. 

Montreal. 

Houlton. 

Calais. 

Bangor... 

Augusta. 


a table of distances from Boston : 


Miles. 

..400 
..300 
. .350 
.. 340 
..930 
..163 


Towns. 
Portland.. • ■ 
Concord • • • 
Montpelier.. 
Ibirttord ■... 
New Haven. 
Providence.. 


Miles. 

..no 

.. 65 
..160 
..100 
..134 
.. 40 


12. Education. —New England has long been cele¬ 
brated for its colleges and schools. Every person has the 
means of obtaining a good English education ; and v^ery 
few natives of the soil can be found, who are not able to 
read and write with facility. 

13. Morality and Religfion. —The people of this 
section are, in a high degree, moral and religious. Meet¬ 
ing-houses and churches are numerous, and the Sabbath is 
strictly observed. Charitable societies of various kinds are 
common, and lyceums for lectures and public instruction 
are found in the principal towns, and in many villages. 
The temperance societies have done much towards checking 
the baneful use of intoxicating drinks. 

14. Villages and Cultivation. —Though the natu¬ 
ral aspect of New England is rough and forbidding, indus¬ 
try and taste have dotted it ov^er with cheerful and thriving 
towns and villages. Its hill-sides and valleys are enriched 
by cultivation, and the traveler can hardly find in any land 
a people living in a state of equal comfort. If there are 
not many who are very rich, there are few ivho are poor. 

15. History—The Puritans. —The history of New 
England affords many passages of deep interest. It was 
first settled by some English people called Puritans, who 
fled hither from religious persecution. They landed at Ply¬ 
mouth, December 22, 1620, and thus laid the foundation 
of what has since become the state of Massachusetts. 

16. Connecticut and. Rhode Island. —The first 
settlements in Connecticut were made by emigrants from 
Massachusetts, in 1636. Roger Williams, a Baptist minis¬ 
ter, made the first settlement in Rhode Island, in this year. 
The other portions of New England became gradually oc¬ 
cupied, chiefly by people from England, or by the descend¬ 
ants of the earlier settlers in this quarter. 

17. - Indian Wars. —For a time, the colonists were at 
peace with the Indians ; but at length war broke out. On 
several occasions, the colonists came near being extermi¬ 
nated. In 167o, a celebrated chief, named Philip, stirred 
up the savage tribes, and for three years a bloody contest was 
maintained. But the white people at last prevailed, and the 
Indians gradually disappeared from the land of their fathers, 

18. Revolutionary War. —A century after Philip’s 
Avar, the Revolution commenced Avith the battle of Lexing¬ 
ton, and the celebrated contest on Bunker Hill followed, 
June 17, 1775. Throughout the conflict with Great Brit¬ 
ain, Avhich lasted eight years, and which resulted in the in¬ 
dependence of the United States, the people of New Eng¬ 
land bore an active and important part. 

19. Settlement of other States. —The inhabitants 
of New England have also largely contributed to the set¬ 
tlement of the more Avestern states.* A considerable part 
of NeAV York, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois Avere first occu¬ 
pied by people from Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

20. Manners and Customs. —The people of these 
six states are almost wholly of English descent. Their 
manners and customs are essentially English, though a 
tino-e of Puritanism still lingers among them. The term 
Yankee, Avhich appears, originally, to have been an imitation 
of the Indian’s Yangees (English), is, in this country, ap¬ 
plied to the people of New England. In Europe, all our 
people are designated by this title. 


tains? 3. Face of the counlrii ? 4. Soil and climate ? 5. Princi¬ 

pal rivers? 6. Industry and enterprise? 7. Political divisions? 
8. Products ? 9. Chief towns ? 10. Population of chief towns ? 

11. Distances from Boston ? 12. Edu ‘ation ? 13. MoraJAty arid 


religion? 14. Villages and cultivation? 15. The Puritans? 
Their landing at Plymouth? 16. Connecticut and lihocU Island? 
17. Indian wars? 18. Revolutionary war? 19. Settlement of 
other states ? 20. Manners and customs of New England? 

































































36 


STATE OF MAINE. 



Lesson XXV...State of Maine. 

1. Characteristics. —This is the 
most northeastern of the United States, 
and contains nearly as much territory as 
the other five New England states. It has 
immense forests, which yield great quanti¬ 
ties of timber; and numerous bays and 
harbors, favorable to navigation. 

2. Mountains.—The Highlands, or 
chain of mountains that separate the waters 
falling into the St. Lawrence from those 
emptying themselves into the Atlantic 
Ocean, extend from the northern extremity 
of New Hampshire along the northern line 
of Maine. This ridge is called the Main 
or Northeastern Ridge. Some of its peaks 
rise to the height of 4000 feet. There 
are many insulated peaks within the state, 
the highest of which is Mount Katahdin, 

5335 feet above the level of the sea. 

3. Valleys. —The principal valleys are 
those of the Kennebec and Penobscot. In 
the south, the banks of these rivers are 
elevated and broken ; but further inland, 
there are large level tracts along their 
margins. 

4. Rivers. —The Penobscot is the lar¬ 
gest river in the state. The whole length 
is 250 miles, and it is navigable for large 
vessels to Bangor, 52 miles from its mouth. 

The western branch rises in the Highlands 
in the northwest, and, after flowing 
through Chesuncook Lake, unites with the 
eastern, about 120 miles from the sea. 

The Kennebec has its source in Moose Head 
Lake, near the eastern branch of the Pe- 
nobscot. It flows nearly south, and is 
joined by the Androscoggin at Merrymeet¬ 
ing Bay. It is navigabje for vessels of 100 
tons to Augusta, and to Bath, twelve miles from the sea, 
for large ships. It is about 200 miles in length. The 
Androscoggin rises near the Kennebec, and flows south¬ 
east through a succession of lakes. It enters New' Hamp¬ 
shire, and, flowing south and east, re-enters Maine at Gilead, 
and joins the Kennebec at Merry meeting Bay. It is 140 
miles in length. The Saco rises in the White Mountains, 
enters Maine at Fryeburg, and flows southeast to the sea. 
It is 160 miles long, and is naHgable for ships to Saco, six 
miles from its mouth. , 

5. Cakes. — Moose Head Lake, the largest in New 
England, is forty miles long, and ten to Wteen broad. 
Umbagog, partly in New Hampshire, is eighteen miles long, 
and ten miles wide. Chesuncook is twenty miles in length, 
and three or four in breadth. Sebago Pond, near Portland, 
is twelve miles in length. 

6. Islands. —The largest is Mount Desert, in French¬ 
man’s Bay. It is fifteen miles long, and twelve broad. 
There are many smaller islands. 

7. Bays. — Penobscot Bay is thirty miles in length, north 

Exercises on the Map.— Boundaries of Maine? Extent? 
Population ? Population to the square mile ? Describe the follme- 
ing : Mount Desert Island; Penobscot Bay; Moose Head Lake; 
Chesuncook Lake ; Schoodic Lakes; River St. Croix ; Penobscot; 


and south, and eighteen in width. It affords great facilities 
for navigation. Casco Bay extends tAventy miles, and con¬ 
tains upwards of 300 islands. 

8. Climate. —The Avinters are severe, and the ground 
is usually covered with snow four months in the year. 
The summers are hot, but not long. The early frosts some¬ 
times do great damage to the crops. The spring is gener¬ 
ally rainy and foggy. The coldest Avind is from the north- 
Avest. The cattle begin to graze in May, and are taken to 
fodder in November. 

9. Soil. —The soil is not generally fertile. On tha 
coast and in the northern part it is poor, but betw'een the 
Kennebec and Penobscot it is excellent. 

10. Vegetable Products. —White pine abounds in 
the northern part, and white and red oak on the coast. 
Hemlock, spruce, beech, maple, ash, and birch, abound. 
The apple, pear, plum, and cherrj% thrive, and are success¬ 
fully cultivated. Much of the land is adapted to grazing, 
and large numbers of cattle are raised. 

11. Minerals. —Iron is found in all parts of the state. 


Kennebec; Androscoggin. Capital of Maine? Direction of the \ 
principal towns from Augusta? j 

LESSON XXV. 1. Characteristics of Maine? 2. Moun- ' 

tains? 3. Valleys? 4. Penobscot river? Kennebec, Ac.? j 








































































STATE OF MAINE. 37 


Limestone is abundant, particularly at Thomaston, Avhere 
it is burned in large quantities, for exportation. In some 
places it affords a line marble. Granite abounds in many 
parts of the state, and slate occurs in some places, 

12. Face of the Country. —The surface is generally 
hilly; in some parts, it rises into mountains of consider¬ 
able elevation. Near the coast and along the livers there 

' are small plains. 

13. Native Animals. —The hear, which was formerly 
numerous in New England, has disappeared from most of 
the states. It is still occasionally found along the northern 
borders of Maine. The Canada lynx is also sometimes 
met with. The caribou, a species of reindeer, common at 
the north, sometimes strays within the boundaries of Maine. 
The moose, closely resembling the European elk, and the. 
largest animal of the deer kind, e.xists in considerable num¬ 
bers. It formerly constituted an important article of food 
among the Indians. It is still hunted, and its flesh is com¬ 
mon in the Boston market. 


. 14. Divisions. —The counties, with their county tOAvns, 
are as follows: 


Counties. 

Pop. in 1850. 

County Towni. 

Pop. in \ '40. 

1850. 

.Aroostook. 



. 1,597 

1,453 

Cumberiaiid... 

. 79.549.. 


. 1.5,218 

20,815 

Frank lit!. 

. 20,027. 


. 2,013 

2,725 

iiaiicock. 

. 34.972. 


. 2;203 

4,009 

Keiiuebtic. 

. 02,521. 


. 5,314 

8,225 

[ 


t AA’iscasset. 

. 2,314 

2,343 

i Lincoln. 

. 74,875. 

. < Topsham. 

. 1,883 


1 


( Warren. 

. 2,228 


I Oxford. 



. 2,454 

2,883 

I Penobscot .... 



. 8,027 

14,432 

Piscataquis.... 
Somerset. 

. 14,735. 


. 1,597 

1,927 

. 35,581. 


. 1,805 

1,848 

Waldo. 

. 47,230. 

_Belfast. 

. 4,180 

5,052 

Wasbington... 

.38,810. 


. 1,351 

1,590 

A^ork. 

. 00,101. 

i York. 

■ \ Allred. 

. 3,111 

. 1,408 

1,319 

15. Chief Towns. —The capital is 

Augusta, situated 

on the Avest bank of the Kennebec, fort\'- 

seA'en miles from 

its mouth. 

It contains the 

State House, 

Avhicli is a 

hand- 


some granite edifice ; and on the other side of the river, 
over Avhich there is a bridge, is a United States arsenal. 
The largest town in the state is Portland, situated upon a 
peninsula in Casco Bay, with a safe and capacious harbor, 
protected by several forts. The inhabitants are largely 
concerned in the fisheries, and carry on an extensive coast¬ 
ing and foreign trade. Thomaston, on Penobscot Bay, is 
noted for its active industry. Limestone is abundant, 
and most of the lime exported from Maine is manufactured 
at Thomaston. Marble is also wrought. A state-prison 
has been built here, on the plan of the Auburn and Sing 
Sing prisons. Ilallowell is a flourishing town, situated on 
the Kennebec, forty-five miles from its mouth. Vessels 
of 150 tons come up to the Avharfs. Beef, pork, ashes, 
grain, Ac., are the principal exports. Twenty-eight miles 
beloAv is Bath. It is at the head of ship navigation, and 
the river is seldom frozen over. Much ship-building is 
done at Bath. Brunswick, on the Androscoggin, has 
several manufactories and mills. Bowdoin College is situ¬ 
ated here. Saco is on the river of the same name, six 
miles from its mouth. The Falls at Saco have a descent 
of forty-two feet, and afford excellent sites for mills and 
manufacturing establishments. The town is also well situ¬ 
ated for commerce. Bangor, at the head of tide-water, 
on the Penobscot, is noted for the lumber trade carried on 
there. It has a large and rapidly increasing commerce. 


5. Lakes? 6. Islands? 7. Bays? 8. Climate? 9. Soil? 
10. Vegetable products ? 11. Minerals? 12. Face of the coun¬ 

try? 13. Native animals? 14. Divisions? 15. Augusta, 


Belfast, near the mouth of the river, has a good harbor, 
and greaf maritime advantages. Castine, on the east side 
of Penobscot Bay, has an excellent and capacious harbor. 

At Gardiner, four miles from HalloAvell, there are numer¬ 
ous mills. At Waterville, eighteen miles above Augusta, 
there is a Baptist College. Eastport, the most easterly 
town in the United States, is situated on an island in Pas- 
samaquoddy Bay. It has a lai’ge and commodious harbor, 
and a flourishing commerce. Madawaska Settlement, the 
most northerly in Maine, is situated on the St.Johns, which 
forms the boundary between Maine and Canada. It is a 
small village. 

16. Agfi'iciilturc. —The chief agricultural products 
are Indian corn, wheat, oats, rye, potatoes, flax, liay, Ac. 

17. Commerce. —The inhabitants are extensively 
engaged in commercial pursuits. The exports consist of 
timber, boards, staves, Avood, fish, beef, pork, butter, 
cheese, bricks, lime, marble, Ac. Cargoes of ice have also 
been exported to the West Indies and the southern ports of i 
the Union. Maine is the third state in point of shipping, ' 
and builds more tonnagtf annually than any other state. 

18. Manufactures.— The manufactures are Avoollen 
and cotton goods, candles, soap, nails, Ac. 

19. Fislicrics.— Cod, herring, mackerel, salmon, and 

other fish, are taken and exported in large quantitielf The 
cod fishing is pursued on the banks of NeAvfoundland. j 



Cutting Trees for L,umbcr, in Winter, 


20. Famberiiig:. —The extensive forests in the interior 
furnish great quantities of timber and fuel. TheTelling of 
timber is generally performed in winter. The trees are 
dragged to the nearest stream, to be carried doAvn on the 
breaking up of the ice, being previously marked. At the 
mills they are collected, and converted into boards, Ac. 
Those employed in this business are called lumberers. 

21. History—Annals.— The first permanent settle¬ 
ment in Maine Avas made in Bristol, on the east side of the 
Damariscotta River, at Pemaquid Point. This Avas in 1625. 
Ten years after, the district Avas granted, by the British 
croAvn, to Fernando Gorges, Avho appointed a governor and 
council. In 1652, the state of Massachusetts purchased 
the territory of the heirs of Gorges, for 85,335. It Avas 


Portland, Thotnaston, d'c.? 16. Agriculture? 17. Commerce? 
18. Manufactures? 19. Fisheries? 20. Jjumbcring ? 21. An¬ 

nals? 22. Indian wars? 23. Arnold's march ? 






























































38 


STATE OF NEW* HAMPSHIRE. 


annexed to Massachusetts in 1691, by a charter from Wil¬ 
liam and Mary, and remained under its jurisdiction, as the 
District of Maine, until 1820, when it was admitted into the 
Union as an independent state. 

22. Historical Incidents—Indian Wars. —At 
the time of the first attempts at settlement in Maine, it ap¬ 
pears to have been tlie residence of powerful tribes of In¬ 
dians. The wars between England and France extended 
to their American colonies, and, excited by the French, the 
Indians of Maine inflicted great miseries upon the settlers. 
During King William's war, in 1689, as Avell as Queen 
Anne's, in I'ZOl, prowling bands of savages roamed tlirough- 
out Maine and New Hampsliire. They were attended by 
French soldiers, who incited them to the commission of 
every species of cruelty. The frontier settlers were obliged 
to abandon the cultivation of their fields, and collect in for¬ 
tified dwellings, for the purposes of defence. These were 
often attacked, and, though bravely defended, were some¬ 
times overwhelmed by numbers, and men, women, and chil¬ 
dren put to the sword, or reserved for torture and captivity. 

23. Arnold’s March, —In I'i'lo, immediately after 
the commencement of the Revolutionary war, it was resolved 
to make an attack upon Canada. Gen. Montgomery, Avith 
a considerable force, proceeded up Lake Champlain, took 
Montreal, and marched upon Quebec. A detachment of 
1000 men, under Gen. Arnold, started from Cambridge, in 
October, 1775, to co-operate with Montgomery. Passing 
through Maine, by way of the Kennebec, they reached the 
vicinity of Quebec on the 9th November. In this march, 
the soldiers and their leader displayed a degree of energy, 
courage, and perseverance, almost without parallel. Nearly 
the whole line of march Avas Avithout inhabitants, and toAvard 
the close of the expedition, the soldiers Avere compelled to 
eat the leather of their shoes for subsistence ! 



Extent, 9,280 square miles. 


.\A I 


45 


Slewaristitii;! 


kConru'cticutZ. 

lL 


4.5 




(sirafford 


l/•'mbas'yi'J 


© o 


/ncrTiii. 


al^fGacast 

"Whitclicl* __ 


'ATyi''o..! I Sr 


M 


"^;yei3rill( 

. , mtonitoiLs ^ ■ I 1, 

prfoj-a , ^aton i|,j^ 

Jlanmcy Sandwic 


s Aymc 






0.s>;ipee |j 


^ / . r. J5risv> JT 3 

(»Tlaiiillcl4 I Hill Y" Pui’liaiii? 

>.CoriusTL V /1 

■:paiiiAl)ui7- 

'^jVer»rpui.'A. ^ I w Dioscaycn. V 

> "R \/ Roclicsla\y 


4.3 


.11 \ AmhtT.sfU ■ A 

Jwm 

l/if ~A s s c H~'ut ^‘r’V 
Pop. in 1850, S17,964.—Pop. to sq. m., 34.26. 


2. Tlie White Mountains belong to the Green Mountain 
range. They are visited every summer by many persons, 
on account of the beauty of the scenery among the mount¬ 
ains, and the magnificent prospect afforded from the summit. 

3. The Notch. — The White Mountains are ap¬ 
proached through a deep gorge called the Notch, Avhich Avas 
the scene of a fearful tragedy some years since. A family, 
by the name of Willey, dwelt in this valley; but on the 
night of the 28th of August, 1826, a part of the mountain 
descended like an avalanche. The family, among Avhich 
Avere four children, heard the noise, and fled from the house. 
The mass of rocks and eaith overAvhelmcd them, but the 
house remained uninjured ! 

4. Valleys. —The principal valleys are those of the 

Exercises on the Map .—Extent of New Ilanipxhire ? Popu- river flows between New Hampshire and Vermont? Capital of New 
lation? Population, to the square mile? Boundaries? Describe Hampshire? Direction of the principal towns from Concord? 
the following: White. Mounlains; Winnipiseogee Lake. Where ' LESSON XXVI. 1. Characteristics of New Hampshire? 
does the river Merrimac rise? Which %oay does it flow ? What \ 2. The White Mountains? 3.27ieNotch? 4. Valleys? 5. Divers ? 


Jipproach to the IVkite JItountains. 

Lesson XXVI ..Stale of New Hampshire. 

1. Cliaracteristics. —This state is noted as contain¬ 
ing the White Mountains, of which Mount Washington is 
the highest peak. Tliis is one of the highest summits east 
of the Mississippi. This state presents the most 'pictur¬ 
esque and stihlime scenery. 










































\- - _ - 

STATE OF NE\ 

Connecticut and Merrimac. The Connecticut valley is the 
most extensive in New England. It is 300 miles lonjr, and 
from five to fifty miles wide. It is very fertile. The val¬ 
ley of the Merrimac consists of sandy plains, covered with 
pines. 

5. Rivers.—The Connecticut rises in Lower Canada, 
and runs south to Long Island Sound, separating New 
Hampshire from Vermont, and passing through Massachu¬ 
setts and Connecticut. It is 450 miles in length, and is 
not nangable for ships farther than Hartford. The Merri¬ 
mac rises in New Hampshire, and flows southeast to the 
sea. Its whole length is 200 miles. It is navigable for 
boats to Concord—forty miles. 

6. Liak.cs.—The largest is Lalce Winnipiseogee, twenty- 
three miles in length, and from two to ten in width. It is 
472 feet above the level of the sea. It is celebrated for its 
charming scenery. Lakes Squam and Ossipee are smaller, 
and are situated to the north. They are covered with 
islands. 

7. Islands.—The Isles of Shoals are a cluster of barren 
rocks rising above the water. They lie off the mouth of 
the Piscataqua River, eight miles from the shore. The 
inhabitants, about 100, gain a living by the cod fishery. 

8. Climate.—The winters are severe. The ground is 
generally covered with snow in November, which continues 
upon the hills till the beginning of May. Sleighing gener¬ 
ally lasts four months in the year. The spring is rainy. 

9. Soil.—The best lands are on the borders of the 
rivers, which occasionally overflow their banks. The high 
lands are generally well adapted to pasturage. 

10. Vegetable Products.—Among the trees are the 
oak, maple, beech, hemlock, and pine, in the mountains ; 
and the elm, cheiry, ash, poplar, and locust, in the plains 
and valleys. The white pine is sometimes 200 feet in 
hight, and its trunk six feet in diameter. 

11. Minerals.—Granite, suitable for building, is found 
in all parts of the state. New Hampshire is often called 
the “ Granite State.” . Copper and iron, both of excellent 
quality, are found at Franconia. Plumbago, or black-lead, 
has been discovered at Bristol. Soapstone and Mmestone 
are found in several places in the state. 

12. Face of the Country.—With the exception of a 
low tract along the coast, twenty or thirty miles in width, 
the state is covered with hills and valleys. New Hampshire 
is the most mountainous state in the Union, and has been 
called the “ Switzerland of America.” 

13. Divisions.—The state is divided into ten counties, 
as follows: 

Coanties. Pop. in 1850. County Towni. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Belknap. 17,721.^....Gilford. 

Carroll . 20,156. •M — Ossipee. 2,04 -1,1^2 

Cheshire. 30,1-14. f. -- Keene.^610 3,:192 

„ , • ,£.040 1 Haverhill. 2,784 2,405 

Grafton. 42,343.^ Plymouth. 1,281 1,290 

Hillsborough. 57,477.Amherst. 1’™ i’ri? 

Merrimack. 38,445.Concord. 4,897 

„ , ronar (Portsmouth. 7,887 9,(39 

Rockingham. 50,986. j Exeter. 2,925 J,329 

Strafford. 29,364.Dover. 6,488 ^186 

Sullivan. 19,375.Newport. 1,958 2,020 

14. Natural Curiosities.—The Notch, which has 
been already mentioned, is a deep ravine two miles in 
length. In the narrowest point, it is twenty-two feet wide. 
Part of this chasm is occupied by the Saco River, and part 

V HAMPSHIRE. 39 

by the road. Near Franconia is a peak, called the Profile 
Mountain, 1000 feet high. A side view exhibits the 
gigantic profile of a human face. Franconia is considered 
the coldest place in New England. 

15. Chief Towns.— CWcorcf, the seat of government, 
is situated upon the Merrimac, forty-five miles from Ports 
mouth. It contains the state-house, state-prison, court¬ 
house, and several banks. Much of the trade of the upper 
countiy centers in Concord, from which boat navigation 
extends through Merrimac River and Middlesex Canal to 
Boston. There are two bridges across the Merrimac, here. 
Portsmouth, the largest town in the state, is situated near 
the mouth of the Piscataqua, three miles from the ocean. 

It is the only seaport in the state. Tlie harbor is one of 
the best in the world, and is accessible to vessels of the 
largest size. It is naturally strong, and is protected by 
several forts. In the river, there is a United States Navy- 
yard. Dover, noted for its manufactures, is situated upon 
the Cocheco, ten miles from Portsmouth. The river is here 
navigable for vessels of eighty tons. Nashua is a large 
manufacturing town on the Merrimac, near the southern boun¬ 
dary of the state. Manchester, also noted for its manufac¬ 
tures, is situated upon the Merrimac, twenty-one miles 
south of Concord. Great Falls, a village on Salmon Falls 
River, has several cotton and Avoolen mills. It is in the 
township of Somersworth. Exeter, on the river of the 
same name, which affords excellent mill sites, has several 
manufactories, an academy, and a court-house. Hanover, 
on the Connecticut, is the seat of Dartmouth College. 
Keene, Amherst, Gilford, Newport, and Haverhill, are 
places of some importance. 

16. Agriculture.—This state is chiefly agricultural. 
Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, grass, &c., are produced in 
large quantities. Many cattle, hogs, sheep, &c., are raised. 
Apples, pears, plums, and cherries are abundant. 

17. Commerce.—The commerce of New Hampshire 
is confined to the single port of Portsmouth. The exports 
are lumber, provisions, cattle, flax-seed, &c. 

18. Manufactures.—There are several extensive 
manufacturing establishments at Great Falls, on Salmon 
Falls River; Nashua and Manchester, on the Merrimac; 
and Dover and Exeter, on branches of the Piscataqua River. 

19. Fisheries.—New Hampshire has only eighteen 
miles of sea-coast, and but few harbors ; but there is a con¬ 
siderable amount of fishin£ from Portsmouth and the Isle of 
Shoals. 

20. Lumbering.—Tlie business of lumbering is car¬ 
ried on to a considerable extent in this state, though it has 
greatly diminished within a few years. 

21. History—Aiiuals.—New Hampshire was first 
granted to Fernando Gorges in 1622. The first settlement 
was made at Dover, during the following year. It came 
voluntarily under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts in 1641, 
but was made a separate province, by act of Charles II., in 
1679. It was ' several times afterward connected with 
Massachusetts, until 1741, at which time it assumed an in¬ 
dependent position, which it has since held without inter¬ 
ruption. The history of New Hampshire is similar to that 
of Maine, in respect to Indian hostilities. In proportion to 
its population, it suffered more from this source than any 
other New England colony. 

6 LahcR? 7, Islands? 8. Climate? 9. Soil? 10. Vegetable 
products? 11. Minerals? 12. Face of the country? 13. Divi¬ 
sions? 1^. Natural curiosities? ±5. Chief towns ? — Concord, Ports- 

mouth, Dover,dec.? 1.6. Agricidture? 1.1 . Commerce ? I.Q. Manu¬ 
factures? 19. Fisheries? 20. Lumbering? 21. Annals? In¬ 
dian hostilities ? 

----J 











































40 


STATE OF VERMONT. 


Lesson XXVIL..State of Vermont. 

1. Characteristics. —This state is noted for the rug¬ 
ged character of its soil and climate, and for the independ¬ 
ence and intelligence of the people. 

2. Mountains. —The Green Mountains, which extend 
throusch the state from north to south, are a continuation 
of the great eastern chain of the Alleghanies, called the 
Blue Ridge. In the centre of the state they are divided 
into two ridges, one of which runs northeast into Canada, 
and the other north till it sinks in a remote part of the 
state. The Green Mountains are from ten to hfteen miles 
Avide, and are much intersected with valleys. They derive 
their name from their perpetual verdure, being covered with 
small evergreen trees and shrubs. The highest summits 

o ^ ^ o 

are Mansfield Mountain, Avith tAvo elevations, called the 
Chin and the Nose, 4279 feet above the level of the sea; 
Camel's Rump, 4188 feet; and Killington Peak, 3675 
feet. Ascutney Mountain, an insulated peak near Windsor, 
is 3320 feet high, having a considerable lake on the top. 

3. Rivers.—The Connecticut forms the eastern boun¬ 
dary of Vermont. All the rivers within the state are 
small, and have their sources in the Green Mountains. The 
principal streams are the White and Passumpsic -rivers, 
falling into the Connecticut; and the Missisque, Lamoile, 
Onion, and Otter, emptying into Lake Champlain. 

4. Mineral Springes. — There are seA^eral mineral 
springs, impregnated Avith sulphur or iron, which are re¬ 
sorted to by invalids. . 

5. Cataracts. — Bellows Falls forni a remarkable cat¬ 
aract, or more properly, a rapid, in the Connecticut, five 
miles above Westminster. A large rock divides the stream 
into tAvo channels, each about ninety feet wide at top. When 
the Avater is Ioav, the east channel appears crossed by a bar 
of solid rock, and the Avhole stream falls into the Avest 
channel, where it is contracted into the breadth of sixteen 
feet. There are several pitches, one above the other, in 
the distance of half a mile. The descent in this course is 
forty-two feet. Several factories are established here. 

6. liakes.—The largest lake is Champlain, situated 
between NeAv York and Vermont. It extends from White¬ 
hall, in New York, a little beyond the Canada line, and is 
about 120 miles long, A'arying in breadth from one to fif¬ 
teen miles, covering an area of 600 square miles. It is 
navigable for ships of the largest size, but the vessels are 
generally of about 100 tons burden. It is generally frozen 
over in the Avinter, so as to be passed on the ice for several 
months. Salmon, sturgeon, trout, pickerel, &c., are found 
here in abundance. It receives the Avaters of Lake George, 
and discharges itself by the river St. Johns, or Sorelle, into 
the St. LaAvrence. The shores are sprinkled with several 
towns and many pretty Aullages. Lake Memphramagog 
is 27 miles long, and lies mostly in Lower Canada. 

7. Islands. —There are about fifty islands in Lake 
Champlain. The principal are North Hero, South Hero, 
and La Motte. 

8. Climate. —The climate is A^ariable, but healthful. 
The thermometer rangres from 25 beloAv zero to 100 above. 
The Avinter lasts from the beginning of December to the 



Extent, 10,20 square miles. 

5 

.r_ 

Derby 

^' • AH.+Mpaiiliramiiu'o^ 

iAnians) r ;■ ^ 

^ ■/ J s 

" Craftsliiuy .BrxmswirliV 

V r -iw ,1 

' ■ ^4 * •( Oui>iUr<Ul_. 

,vick,e 




DanTine 


•iiaultiDti Hycgate"' 



Tojpsham ^Wells 


N 


T^'-? f j 

4. ■ITanpotnti y* 


• n u- ARsmaoIiin , 

i»Bensoi:u^./ ./XoiTridi 

I J \* Sjtrovsburyr |\ ^ 

gNfeatherdlcla. 

0; iboVset I 

Rixpcrt y'MaoSihp'ster 

<0 I B^wsTaU^ir 

43 , r ^ { 1^ 



^atQeioro' 

^ Guilfori. ‘ 

ImASS A C\H US 

J 4 Ltm .Ti .from VVaslii Id gion. 


y~T~'r's 


Population, S1I,C11.—Pop. to square mile, 30.07. 


end of March. In April and May, the Aveather is mild 
and showery. In the summer, though the heat of the day 
is sometimes excessive, the nights are always cool. Frosts 
appear early in September. 

9. Soil. —The soil, exclusive of the mountain ridges, is 
generally rich and loamy. Along the rivers are tracts 
which consist of a deep, black, alluvial deposit. These are 
very productive in grain, grass, and garden vegetables. 
The hills and mountains afford the best of pasturage for 
cattle. The state is better fitted for grazing than for till¬ 
age. Springs and brooks are numerous, and every part of 
the state is supplied Avith running water. 

10. Native Animals. —The bear, Canada lynx, Avild- 
cat, and moose, are occasionally found in the remote north¬ 
ern parts of the state. 

11. Minerals. —Iron is abundant, and lead, zinc, and 
copper are found in some places. Sulpliuret of iron, or 
pyriUs, from which copperas is manufactured, occurs at 


Exercises on the Map of Vermont .—Extent of Vermont? 
Population ? Population to the square mile ? Boundaries ? What 
river between New Hampshire and Vermont ? What lake between 
New York and Vermont? In which direction does the Green Mount¬ 
ain range run? Pescribe the following rivers: Otter Creek; 


Onion; Lamoile; White; Black. Capital of Vermont? Direction 
of the principal towns from Montpelier ? 

LESSON XXVii. 1. Characteristics of Vermont ? 2. Mount¬ 
ains ? 3. Rivers ? 4. Mineral Springs ? 5. Cataracts ? 6. Lakes ? 
7. Islands ? 8. Climate ? 9. Soil ? 10. Native animals ? 11. Minr 
















































STATE OF VERMONT. 


41 




Strafford and Shrewsbury. Marble of good quality abounds 
in various places, as Middlebury, Swanton, and Bennington. 
Near Burlington, there is an extensive bed of porcelain 
earth. Oil-stone and slate-stone are found at Burlington. 

12. Face of llic Country. —The surface is generally 
uneven and diversified. The land slopes from the Green 
Mountains to Connecticut River and Lake Champlain. 
Thei'e are numerous plains upon the banks of the rivers. 

■ 13. Divisions. —These are as follows : 


I8S0. 
3,517 
3,9-^3 
1,78-2 
2,578 
5,585 
500 
3,572 
731 
1,107 
1,958 
1,034 
3,717 
4,310 
1,305 
3,041 
1,928 


Countiea. Pop. in 1850. County Towns, Pop. in 1840 

Addison. 26,549.IMiddlebury. 3,162 

„_._. „ ia<;Qn 1 Bennington. 3,429 

Bennington. 18,589. j Manchester. 1,594 

Caledonia. 23,086.Danville. 2,633 

Chittenden. 29,036 .Burlington. 4,271 

Essex. 4,650.Guildhall. 470 

Franklin. 28,586.St. Albans.2,702 

Grand Isle. 4,145.North Hero. 716 

Latnoile. 10,872.Hyde Park. 1,080 

Orange. 27,296.Chelsea. 1,959 

Orleans. 15,707.Irasburg. 971 

Rutland. 33,059.Rutland. 2,708 

Washington. 24.654.Montpelier. 3,725 

Windham.^,062 .Newl'ane. 1,403 

.... , noooA 1 Woodstock ....., 3,315 

14. Chief 'Towns.—Montpelier, the capital of the 
state, is situated in Washington county, near the center of 
the state. It contains the state-house, court-house, jail, 
academy, bank, Ac. It lies at the confluence of the two head 
branches of the Onion River. Burlington is situated on 
Lake Champlain, near the mouth of the Onion. It is the 
principal commercial place on the lake, and is a port of en¬ 
try for foreign shipping. It contains the University of Ver¬ 
mont and a court-house. Middlebury is situated on Otter 
Creek, and contains a college and court-house. Benning¬ 
ton, near the southwest corner of the state, is noted for a 
victory gained there by Gen. Stark over the British troops, 
August IG, 1777. Rutland, in the county of the same 
name, is pleasantly situated on Otter Creek, near its source. 
It contains the county buildings, &c. BrattleborougJi, cele¬ 
brated for its fine scenery, is a large and growing town on 
the Connecticut, near the southeast corner of the state. 
Windsor is a beautiful town on the Connecticut, 

15. Canals and Railroads.—There are a num¬ 
ber of short canals along Connecticut River, and several 
important railroads have recently been constracted. 

16. Agriculture.—Agriculture and grazing are the 
chief employments. Wheat, Indian corn, rye, oats, &c., m’e 
raised. Butter, beef, and cheese are largely produced. 
Wool is a staple product, and maple-sugar is produced in 
considerable quantities. Cattle, sheep, and horses abound. 

17. Commerce.—This state has no sea-board. Lake 
Champlain affords facilities for trade between Vermont, 
New York, and Canada. Horses, cattle, and sheep are 
exported in great numbers. Iron, maple-sugar, pot and 
pearl ashes,, lumber, marble, beef, pork, and cheese, are 
among the exports. 

18. Manufactures.—These are not extensive, though 
iron, cotton, and wool are wrought to some extent. Fab¬ 
rics of linen and woolen are produced in families. Cop¬ 
peras is made at Strafford, in Shrewsbury. 

19. Education.—Common schools are general in the 
towns, and there are numerous academies. There are col¬ 
leges at Middlebury and Burlington, and a university at 
Norwich. It is supposed that the average of education is 
higher in Vermont than in any other state. 

20. History—Annals.—Vermont was first explored 


by the French from Canada, but the first settlement was 
made at Fort Dummer, by emigration from Ma.ssachusetts. 
The jurisdiction of the territory was in dispute for many 
years. From 1741 to 17G4, New Hampshire claimed it, 
and granted many townships to proprietors. New York 
also claimed it, and obtained a grant of it from the Britisli 
Parliament in 1764. These conflicting claims produced 
great difficulties. When the Revolutionary war commenced. 
Congress dared not admit Vermont to the confederacy, 
through fear of offending New Hampshire and New York ; 
but the inhabitants were determined to be independent, and 
the British hoped to be able to detach them from the 
American cause. Vermont had a difficult part to perform ; 
but her sagacious leaders managed to quiet the British, 
while the colony furnished efficient aid to the Revolution 
—thus saving themselves from attack. In 1790, New 
York was induced, by the payment of $30,000, to with- 
diuw her claims; and in 1791, Vermont was admitted into 
the Union. 

21. Battle of Benuing;ton. —As Gen. Burgoyne 
was marching southward, in 1778, with his army of 7000 
men, he found himself, on reaching Fort Edward, much 
straitened for supplies. He therefore dispatched Col. 
Baum, with 500 men, to seize a quantity of stores which 
the Americans had collected at Bennington, thirty-five miles 
southeast of Fort Edward. These were met by Col. Stark 
and a regiment of New Hampshire militia. A fierce battle 
ensued, and the British weie entirely defeated. A rein¬ 
forcement sent to their aid was the next day cut to pieces. 
These events, called the Battle of Bennington, took place 
on the 16th and 17th August. They greatly embarrassed the 
operations of Burgoyne, and were one of the main causes 
of his defeat and surrender in the following October. 

22. Etliau Alien. —All the New England colonies, 
except Vermont, were settled by Puritans, or their im¬ 
mediate descendants. Vennont had a different origin. 
Many of its first inhabitants were daring, bold, and reckless 
men, similar to those which have peopled Texas. Of these, 
Ethan Allen, a native of Connecticut, was a strong exam¬ 
ple. He was of gigantic stature, and a courage often pro¬ 
ceeding to rashness. When the news of the battle of 
Lexington had spread through the country, Ethan Allen 
and Benedict Arnold led a number of volunteers from Con- 
necticut and Vermont, and suddenly seized the important 
fortresses of Ticonderoga. and Crown Point, May, 1775. 
So unexpected Avas the attack upon the former place, that 
the Americans found the commander in bed. As Allen 
appeared before him, and demanded the surrender of the 
fort, “ By what authority do you demand it ?” said the 
officer. “ In the name,” replied Allen, “ of the great 
Jehovah and the Continental Congress.” Allen Avas after¬ 
ward taken in a rash attack upon Montreal, and carried to 
England. According to a popular rumor, he was kept in 
confinement, and made a spectacle for the curiosity of 
gazers. One of them threAV a nail at him, and he bit it in 
two. After the Avar, he wrote a kind of bible, called the 
“ Oracles of Reason.” In allusion to these circumstances, 
Hopkins-,*the satirical poet of Connecticut, thus spoke of him: 

“ Lo ! Allen, ’scaped from British jails. 

His tushes broke by biting nails. 

Appears in hyperborean skies. 

To tell the Avorld the Bible lies,” <fec. 


erah? 12. Face of the country? 13. Divisions? 14. Chief merce? 18. Manufactures? 19. Education? 20. Annals t 

towns? 15. Canals and railroads? 1.6. Agriculture ? 17. (7owi—i 21. Battle of Bennington? 22. Ethan Allen? 

6 . ■ 








































































42 


STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 


Extent, 7,800 square miles. 


lilj Xou. i^aat ttom. YfaHhii<>Xa x 



Population in 1850, 994,499.—Population to the square mile, H6.11. 


Lesson XXVIIL.. Stale of Massachusetts. 

1. Characterislics. —This is the most populous of 
the New England States, and is noted for the enterprise 
and energy of its inhabitants. 

2. ITIouiitains.—The Green Mountains enter the west¬ 
ern part of the state from the north, forming the Taghkanic 
and Hoosac Ridges, which run nearly parallel with each 
other. The Taghkanic range is near the western boundary 
of the state : its most elevated peak is Saddle Mountain, 
.3900 feet hiorh. The White Mountains range the state 
from New Hampshire a little to the east of the Connecticut. 
The highest peaks in this range are Mounts Tom and 
Holyoke —the former 1200, and the latter 830 feet, above 
the level of Connecticut River, which flows between them. 
Wachusett, a single mountain near the center of the state, 
is 3000 feet above the level of the sea. 

3. Valleys. —The valley of the Connecticut, which, 
varying in width, e.xtends through the state from north to 
south, consists, for the most part, of a sandy alluvion. In 
the vicinity of Hadley are extensive fields of broom-corn, 
and the manufacture of brooms is largely carried on there. 
The valley of the Housatonic lies in the same direction 
as that of the Connecticut, and consists of alluvial tracts of 
the same description. The valley of the Hoosac is in the 
northwest; it consists of an almost uninterrupted succes- 

Exercises on Map of Massachusetts .—Boundaries of Mas¬ 
sachusetts ? Extent ? Population ? Population to the square 
mile? First settlement? Describe the following : Cape Ann ; Cape 
Cod; Massachusetts Bay ; Cape Cod Bay ; Barnstable Bay; Buz¬ 
zard’s Bay ; Island of Nantucket; Martha’s Vineyard Where do 
the Green Mountains cross the state ? Where is Mount Tom, ? 


sion of interval, about a mile in width, and extremely rich 
and fertile. 

4. Rivers.—The Connecticut enters the western part 
of the state, and flows south into Connecticut. The tract 
which it waters in Massachusetts is fifty miles in extent. In 
this distance, it receives the Deerfield and Westfield rivers 
from the west, and Millers and Chicopee rivers from the 
east. The Housatonic rises in the northwest corner of the 
state, and flows south into Connecticut. The Merrimac 
enters the state in the northeast, and flows northeast fifty 
miles to the sea, at Newburyport. In this course, it re¬ 
ceives the Concord river from the south. The Merrimac is 
navigable for vessels of 200 tons to Haverhill, fifteen miles 
from its mouth. To this point the tide ascends. At the 
entrance to the sea, the river expands to a mile in width, 
and forms the harbor of Newburyport. 

5. Islands.— Nantucket, twenty miles south of the 
main land at Cape Cod, is an island of triangular form, fif¬ 
teen miles long, and eleven broad, at the widest part. It 
is little more than a heap of sand, yet it maintains a numer¬ 
ous population distinguished for activity and enterprise. 
This island is noted for the number of whalers which are 
sent from thence. Martha's Vineyard.vres.i from Nantucket, 
is twenty miles long, and from two to ten broad. The soil 
is poor, and the people are mostly employed in the fisheries 
Each of these islands forms a county. The Elizahetk 
Islands are sixteen small islands south of Buzzard’s Bay. 

Mount Holyoke? Wachusett? Where does the Connecticut Jtivei 
cross the state? Where does the Merrimac cross a portion Oj 
the state ? Capital ? Tell the direction of the principal towns from 
Boston. 

LESSON XXVm. 1. Characteristics of Massachusetts I 
2. Mountains? 3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Islands? 6. Bays? 























































STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 


43 



View of Faneuil Hall, Boston. 


6. Bays.— Massachusetts Bay, between Cape Ann on 
the north, and Cape Cod on the south, is about seventy 
miles in length from north to south, and comprises Boston 
Bay and Cape Cod Bay. On the southern coast of the 
state is Buzzard's Bay, about thirty miles deep. 

7. Climate. —The cold is generally severe for a short 
time in winter; frosts occur in October, and snow often 
falls in November. The rivers and lakes are commonly 
frozen over for two or three months, and the harbors on the 
coast are sometimes closed up for a short time by ice. The 
ice in the rivers breaks up in March, but snow often falls 
during that month. The heat is excessive for a few days 
in summer, but the nights are always cool. Cold east 
winds prevail during the spiing months. 

8. Soil.—The soil is various, but for the most part well 
adapted to grazing or tillage. 

9. Vegetable Products. —These are similar to those 
of the other New England states. 

10. Minerals. —Sienite and granite abound in the mid¬ 
dle and eastern parts of the state, and are much used for 
buildino:. Marble and limestone are found in Berkshire 
county. Iron and anthracite exist in the interior. Soap¬ 
stone, plumbago, and anthracite coal, exist in different 
places. 

11. Face oftlie Country. —The mountainous region 
occupies the western part of the state. The middle and 
northeastern parts are lower, but hilly and broken. The 
southeast is the lowest part, and is in general level and 
sandy. 

12. Canals. —The Blackstone Canal extends from 
Worcester to Piovidence, a distance of forty-five miles. 
There are several other small canals. 

. 13. Railways. —These are numerous, branching out 
from Boston in every direction. One extends southeast to 
New Bedford and Fall River; one south to Providence, 

7, Climate? 8. Soil? 9. Vegetable products? 10. Minerals? 


and thence to Stonington ; one southwest through Norfolk 
county ; one west to Worcester, and branching off to Nor¬ 
wich and New York, by way of Hartford, and to Albany, 
Several lines extend northwardly through Vermont, New 
Hampshire, and Maine. 

14. Divisions. —These are as follows: 

CoimUes. Fop. in 1850. 

Barnstable. 35.376. 

Berkshire. 49,591. 

Bristol. 76,192...... 

Dukes. 4,540. 

Essex. 131,300. 


Hampden 


Middlesex. 


County Towns. 

Pop. in 1840. 

1850. 

. Barnstiible. 


4,818 

.Lenox. 

. 1,313 

2,101 

1 New Bedford... 


16,443 

1 Taunton. 


10.441 

• Edgartown. 

. 1,736 

2.305 

1 Salem. 


20.264 

! Neyrburyport-.. 

. 7,161 

9..534 

. Greenfield. 


2.567 



o| 

• Northampton .• 


5^305 

: Cambridge . 


15.215 

j Concord . 


2,714 

( Lowell . 


32.964 

.Nantucket . 

. 9,012 

8,731 

. Dedham . 

. 3.290 

4.379 

. Plymouth . 


5.717 

. Boston . 


136.871 

• Worcester . 7,497 17,049 


Norfolk.... . 78,892. 

Plymouth. 55,697. 

Suffolk. 144,507. 

Worcester. 130,789. 

15. Chief Towns. — Boston, the capital of Massachu¬ 
setts, is the largest town in New England. It is pleasantly 
situated on a small hilly peninsula on Boston Bay, with a 
safe and commodious harbor, deep enough to admit the 
largest ships, and capable of containing 500 at once. The 
peninsula is connected with Roxbury by a narrow isthmus ; 
with Brookline by a solid causeway of earth ; and with 
Cambridge, Charlestown, and South Boston, by bridges. 
The Common is a large square directly in front of the State 
House. This buildint; is situated on the hiffhest eminence 
in the city. From the top, the view is one of the finest 
in the world. Faneuil Hall is called the Cradle of Liberty, 
from the fact that the patriots held their meetings there, in 
the time of the Revolution. Boston retained the denomina¬ 
tion of a town, and continued to be governed by a body of 
Selectmen, until 1820. Since that period, its concerns have 
been directed by a city government. Boston, in connec- 

11. Face of the country ? 12. Canals? 13. Railroads? 14. Z>t- 



























































































































44 


STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 



Battle of Brniker Hill, 



Plan of BostoJt. 


tion witli Chelsea, forms the county of Suffolk. It is the 
third city in the United States, as to commerce ; its imports 
amounting to §14,000,000 annually, and its exports to 
§10,000,000. Lowell, on the Merrimac, fifteen miles above 
Haverhill, is a large and flourishing town. The situation is 
well adapted to manufactories, and commands the water¬ 
power of the Merrimac, with a fall of 30 feet. The Mid¬ 
dlesex Canal connects Lowell with Boston. Salem, noted 


for its wealth and commerce, lies on a peninsula formed by 
two inlets of the sea. The harbor is not of sufficient 
depth for tbe largest vessels. The East India trade is mostly 
carried on from this city. Newburyport is a handsome 
town near the niguth of the Merrimac. Ship-building, 
manufacturing, and the fisheries, are carried on here. It 
has considerable commerce. Gloucester and Marblehead, 
near Salem, are considerable fishing towns, and have some 
commerce. The cod fishery is extensive. Charlestown is 
the site of the Battle of BunTcer Hill. It contains the Bun¬ 
ker Hill Monument, an obelisk of granite 220 feet high, tbe 
United States Navy-yard, and the Massachusetts State 
Prison. Cambridge has some manufactories. Harvard 
University is in this town. Plymouth is noted as the first 
place settled in New England. New Bedford and Nan¬ 
tucket are whaling towns, and send out more whalers than 
any other place. Worcester is a large town near the center 
of the state. It contains the State Insane Asylum. Spring- 
field is finely situated on Connecticut River, and contains a 
United States arsenal, and several paper and cotton mills. 

16. Agriculture.— Massachusetts is the most highly 
cultivated state in the Union. Great attention is paid to 
farming as a science. Cattle shows and agricultural exhi¬ 
bitions take place eveiy year, in various parts of the state. 

17. Commerce. —Massachusetts has the second rank 
among the states for commerce. Most of the East India 
trade is confined to Boston and Salem. 

18. History—Annals.— The first settlement was 
made at Plymouth, by the Puritans, or Pilgrims, from Eng¬ 
land, in December, 1620. In 1628, the foundation of the 
Massachusetts colony was laid, by the settlement of Salem 


visions ? 15 . Boston ? Lowell ? Salem ? Other towns ? 16 . Agri- 

\ 


culture? 17 . Commerce? 18 . Annals? 19 . The Plymouth 





































































































45 


STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



• Treaty leith Massasoit. 


and Charlestown. Boston was occupied in 1630. In 1692, 
these colonies were united. The American Revolution be- 
c;an at Boston. The first regular battle was that of Bunker 
ilill, June 17, 1775. On the 17th March, 1776, the Brit¬ 
ish evacuated Boston. In 1780, the present Constitution 
I was formed, and revised in 1820. In 1783, slavery was 

! abolished. In February, 1786, the state voted to adopt 

I the Constitution of the United States, by a majority of 19. 
I 19. fliislorical IiiciUciifs—The Plymoiitli Set- 
I llciiieiit. —The vessel in wdiich the first Puritans came 

j over was called the May Floiver ; the place w’here they first 

j landed, called Plymouth Rock, and still shown to strangers, 

] is a flat stone near the water, in the present town of Plym- 

I ■ outh. Soon after their arrival, an Indian, named Samoset, 
j appeared among them, and exclaimed, “ Welcome, English- 

I men! Welcome, Englishmen!” In a short time, the 

governor of the colony made a treaty with Massasoit, a 
sachem of one of the principal tribes in the vicinity. This 
was kept inviolate by both parties for nearly fifty years. 

20. Persecution of the t^uaRers. —The Puritans 
had come to New England expecting to live by themselves, 
and enjoy their own peculiar civil and religious notions, 
without disturbance; but in 1656, some Quakers arrived 
from England. They were of a new sect, and the people 

I of the colonies sent them back by the vessels in Avhich they 

1 came. A law was passed by the four colonies, imposing 

i the penalty of death upon any of these who should return. 

Nevertheless, several of them came back, and four were 
executed. Many others we?b thrown into prison. At last, 
however, the obnoxious law' wnis repealed. 

21. Kiiii;: Philip’s War. —This celebrated contest 
has been already mentioned. It began in June, 1675, and 
continued three years. Many villages in New England 
were laid in ashes, and many hundreds of the whites lost 

Settlement ? Treaty with Maamaoit ? 20 . Persecution of the Quak¬ 

ers? 21 . King Philip's war? 22 . Salem witchcraft ? 23 . The 


their lives. The very existence of the colonies seemed to 
be threatened ; but the English finally prevailed. Philip 
was killed, and the power of the savages throughout New 
England received a blow from which it never recovered. 

22. Salem Witchcraft. —This extraordinary delu¬ 
sion commenced at Danvers, then a part of Salem, in 1692. 

It w'as a general belief at the time, as well in England as j 
America, that Satan sometimes enters the bodies of per- i 
sons, and gives them extraordinary powei’s. Some chil¬ 
dren in a pious fiimily of Danvers being moved with strange 
caprices, w'ere supposed to be thus in league with the devil. 
Other persons were soon imagined to be infected with the ter¬ 
rible mania. Shortly after, a number of these -were seized, and 
thrown into prison. Twenty w'ere tried, and suffered death. 

A hundred and fifty were imprisoned, and several hundreds 
were under suspicion. At length the whole community began 
to ask, “ Where will this end ?” A little calm reflection 
showed that the wdiole affair had been an unhappy delusion. 

23. X'lie Old FreiBcli War—The Kcvoltitioii. 

—Massachusetts took a leading part in the Old French 
war, and also in the Revolution. In Faneuil Hall, the voice 
of liberty w'as raised, which spread its electric fire over the 
country. The battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill were 
among the first and most inspiring events of the war. 

24. Shays’ Kcbcllion. —In 1786, the people of the ' 
western counties Abecame dissatisfied with the system of 
taxation. Headed by Daniel Shays, who had been an officer 

in the Revolutionary army, they assembled in arms, to the 
number of 2000, at Springfield. The state raised a force 
of 6000 men, and the insurgents were dispersed, after 
some slight skirmishes, February, 1787. A number of 
persons were killed in the collisions of tlie two armies, but 
no one died upon the scaffold in consequence of this insur¬ 
rection. Shays himself received a full pardon in 1788. 

old French war? The Revolution? What of Faneuil Hall? 

24 . Shays’ rebellion ? 






























































46 


STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 


Extent, 1,360 square miles. 



Lesson XXIX...State of Rhode Island. 

1. Cliaractcvistics. —This is the smallest 
of the states in point of territory, but it is very 
thickly peopled, and is celebrated for its exten¬ 
sive manufactories. 

2. Itloiintaiiis.—There are no mountains 
in Rhode Island. Mount Hope, in Bristol, the 
hiofhest elevation in the state, and once the resi- 
deuce of King Philip, is only 300 feet in hight. 

3. llivers.—The rivers are little more than 
mill-streams. The Blackstone enters the state 
from Massachusetts, and runs southeast to Nar- 
ragansett Bay, The other rivers are the Pavh 
tucket, Patuxet, and Pawcatuck. 

4. Islands. — Rhode Island, in Narragansett 
Bay, from which the state takes its name, is 
about fifteen miles long, by three and a half 
broad. It is fertile and well cultiv'ated, and is 
much resorted to in summer. New'port, one of 
the capitals of the state, is situated near the 
southwest point of this island. Prudence and 
Conanicul islands are in the same bay. Block 
Island, about ten miles south of the coast, also 
belongs to this state, 

5. Bays. — Narragansett Bag extends more 
than thirty miles into the state, and affords great 
facilities for ship navigation, having many excel¬ 
lent harbors. Ships ascend to Providence, thirty 
miles above Point Judith. Newport harbor, in 
the channel between Conanicut and Rhode 
Island, is one of the finest in the world, being 
safe, deep, capacious, and easily accessible. 

6. Climate. —This state enjoys a salubrious 
climate. The winter, in the maritime parts, is 
sensibly milder, and the seasons are more uni¬ 
form, than in the rest of New England, The 
heat of summer' is much alleviated by refreshing sea. 
breezes. In other respects, the climate is the same as that 
of Connecticut. 

7. Soil. —On the main-land, the soil is generally a grav¬ 
ely loam, fertile, but difficult of cultivation. Upon the 
islands, the soil is slaty and productive. There is little 
alluvial land. 

8. Vegetable Products. —There are no extensive 
forests, but oak, w'alnut, and chestnut trees are common. 

9. Minerals. —Some iron ore, marble, and freestone, 
for building, are found, and anthracite occurs in extensive 
beds ; but these are little wrought. 

10. Face of the Country. —Although there are no 
mountains in the state, yet most of the surface is rough. 
The southern part is more level. About one-tenth of the 
whole surface is water. 

11. Divisions. —These are as follows : 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Tohtis. Pop. in IS40. 1850. 

Bristol. 8,514.Bristol. 3,490 4,616 

Kent. 15,068 .East Greenwich. 1,509 3,111 

Newport. 20,007.Newport. 8,333 9,563 

Providence. 87„525.Providence.23,171 41,513 

Washington. 16,430.South Kingston. 3,717 3,802 

12. CIlief Towns.—Tlie city of Providence is situated 
<'it the head of Narragansett Bay. It is one of the capitals 


Exercises on the Map of Rhode Island .—Extent of Rhode 
Island? Popvdation? Popidation to the square mile? Boun¬ 
daries? Describe the following : Narragansett Bay ; Rhode Island; 
Prudence Island; Conanicut Island; Block Island; Point Judith ; 


of the state. The largest ships can come up to the city, 
and the trade is extensive. It contains the State House, 
Brown University, and the Arcade, which is a fine building, 
used for mercantile purposes. Newport is situated near the 
southwest end of Rhode Island, and is also a capital. It 
is a great resort in summer, on account of its sea-bathing, 
its cool atmosphere, and its excellent sea-food. It has little 
trade. Smithfield is a flourishing town near the northern 
boundary, in Providence county. Warwick is a large 
manufacturing town. Bristol, on Narragansett Bay, has 
considerable commerce. Pawtucket is a manufacturing 
village four miles north of Providence. It is partly in Mas¬ 
sachusetts, and partly in Rhode Island. 

13. Agriculture. — Agriculture is less attended to than 
in the neighboring states. Grazing occupies the chief atten¬ 
tion of the farmers, and fine cattle are raised here. 

14. Commerce. —The commerce of the state is exten¬ 
sive and flourishing. 

15. Manufactures. —Rhode Island is more largely 
devoted to manufactures than any other state in the Union, 
in proportion to its population. The manufactures are cot¬ 
ton, woolen, iron, lace, Ac. 

16. Railroads. —A part of the Blackstone Canal, be- 

Charles River ; Pawhicket River ; Patuxet River. Where is Bris¬ 
tol? In what direction from this are the principal toions? 

LESSON XXIX. 1. Characteristics of Rhode Island? 
2. Mountains ? 3. Rivers ? 4. Islands ? 5. Bays ? 6. Climate ? 


























































STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. 


47 



Roger Williams, First Settler of Rhode Island. 


tween Woivcster and Providence, lies in Rhode Island. A 
railroad extends from Boston to Providence. There is one 
also from the latter city to Stonington, and another to Wor¬ 
cester. 

IV. Ecliicafioii. —Common schools are nearly uni¬ 
versal, and Brown University, a Baptist seminary at Provi¬ 
dence, is of high standing. 

18. History—Aiiuals. —This state was first settled 
by Roger Williams. He purchased of the Indians at Se- 
konk ; but finding himself within the Plymouth colony, he 
removed to Providence, in 1636. He obtained a patent 
in 1644. A settlement had been made on Rhode Island in 
1638, and this charter included both, under the name of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. After the res¬ 
toration of Charles II., a new charter was obtained in 1663, 
which continued as the constitution of-the state till 1844, 
when it was set aside by a new constitution. 

19. Roger Williams. —This individual was an En¬ 
glish clergyman, first settled at Salem. He appears to have 
been a man of an original turn of mind, and great inde¬ 
pendence of thought. He was the first to discover and set 
forth in a clear light those principles of religious liberty 
which are now universally acknowledged in this country. 
Nevertheless, these were strange and offensive doctrines 
among the Puritans, who, with all their intelligence and 
virtue, had not discovered the truth upon this great sub¬ 
ject. Williams was tried and condemned by an ecclesias¬ 
tical tribunal in Massachusetts, and was finally banished by 
the General Court. Thence he departed with a few fol¬ 
lowers. The place where his wanderings ended, with pious 
thanksgiving, he named Providence. He gained the confi¬ 
dence of the Indians, and even in times of war, when other 
white men could not safely venture to approach an Indian 
settlement, Williams went freely among them, without fear, 
and without danger. They regarded him as their friend 
and counselor; and when the great tribe of the Narragan- 
setts, situated near the bay of that name, were invited, by 
the Pequods, of Connecticut, to join them in war against the 
whites there, they yielded to Williams’ advice, and remained 

7. Soil? 8. Vegetable products ? 9. Minerals? 10. Face.of the 
country? 11. Divisions? 12. Chief towns? 13. Agriculture? 
14. Commerce? 15. Manufactures? 16. Railroads? 17. Edu- 


neutral. Being a Baptist, he drew to the Rhode Island 
colony many persons of that sect. Freedom in religious 
matters being also adopted, many individuals were induced to 
settle here. The bitter sectarian feeling which had existed 
toward Roger Williams gradually subsided, and his own 
character seems to have undergone a favorable chanw— 

, O O 

mddness, forbearance, and piety appearing to take place 
of the eccentricity and pugnacity which had marked his 
early career. He is now regarded not only as the founder 
of Rhode Island, but, in some degree, as the benefactor of 
mankind. He died in 16,83. 

20. Philip of Mount Hope. —This celebrated In¬ 
dian, whose residence was at Mount Hope, or Pokonoket, in 
Rhode Island, was the son of Massasoit, sachem of the Wam- 
panoags, mentioned in the history of Massachusetts. His 
elder brother, Alexander, dying early, Philip became chief 
of the tribe. The war of 1675, which he provoked, has 
been already noticed. 

21. Dorr’s Rebellion. —In 1842, a movement was 
made in Rhode-Island to set aside the ancient charter which 
had hitherto formed the basis of the government, for the 
purpose of establishing a more formal and perfect constitu¬ 
tion. This gave rise to two parties. One, called the suf¬ 
frage party, at the head of whom was Thomas W. Dorr, 
proceeded spontaneously, and without any rules of law, to 
form a constitution. This they adopted, and, under it, 
elected a legislature, with Dorr as governor. The other, 
called the law and order party, took active measures to put 
down these proceedings, as irregular and rebellious. Dorr 
fled, but soon returned with a body of insurgents. His 
followers now assembled under arms, but dispersed on the 
appearance of the government forces. This occurred in 
May, 1844. In June, the insurgents reappeared, and in¬ 
trenched themselves at Chepatchet. Martial law was pro¬ 
claimed, and a large force was sent against the rebels, but 
they speedily dispersed. Dorr fled, but returned. He 
was arrested, tried, condemned for treason, and imprisoned. 
After a year, he was released ; a new constitution having 
gone into quiet operation by the forms of law. 

cation? .18. Annals? 19. Roger Williams? Ilis infiuence 
with the Indians ? 20. Philip of Mount Hope? 21. Dorrs rebel¬ 
lion ? 


9 




















48 


STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 




Lesson XXX...State of Connecticut. 


^ 1. Characteristics.— This state is noted for its nu¬ 
merous schools, and for the intelligence, morality, and indus¬ 
try of its people. It is sometimes called the “ Land of 
Steady Habits.” 

2. Mountains.— The Housatonic Mountains enter the 
state from Massachusetts, and extend in a southerly direc¬ 
tion along the Housatonic River. The Green Mountain 
Range, coming from Massachusetts, passes through the 
state from north to south, and terminates at East Rock, in 
New Haven. 

3. Valleys.— The valley of the Connecticut begins at 
Middletown, and passes north through the state, being from 
ten to sixteen miles in width, and extending, within the 
limits of this state, a distance of thirty miles. . This is the 
richest agricultural section in the state. The Farmington 
Valley, extending from New Haven north through the 
state, is fifty miles in length, and from three to five in 
width. The valley of the Housatonic is from one to five 
miles in width, and of a rich soil. 

4. Rivers.— The Connecticut enters the state fr'vm 
Massachusetts, and flows south to Long Island Sound. It 
admits of a sloop navigation to Hartford, fifty miles. Its 
general course after entering the state is south, but at Mid¬ 
dletown it bends to the southeast, and continues in that 
direction. Farmington River rises in Massachusetts, flows 


southeast and northeast, and joins the Connecticut five 
miles above Hartford. The Housatonic rises in the western 
part of Massachusetts, and enters the state near the north¬ 
west corner, and runs in a southerly and southeasterly 
direction to Long Island Sound. It has a sloop navigation 
of twelve miles. The Thames, formed by the junction of 
the Yantic, Shetucket, and Quinebaug, near Norwich, 
empties itself into the Sound at New London. It is navi¬ 
gable for sloops to Norwich—fourteen miles. 

5. Mineral Springs.— There are chalybeate springs at 
Stafford, somewhat resorted to by invalids. 

G. Sea-coast. —The whole coast of the state lies upon 
Long Lsland Sound, which is an extensive gulf 150 miles in 
length, and twenty-five miles wdde at the widest part. 
There is a dangerous whirlpool, called Hell Gate, near the 
west end, Avhere the navigation is hazardous. 

7. Climate.— The climate is like that of Massachusetts, 
though somew'hat milder. 

8. Soil.— The soil is generally good, but of various 
kinds. The valley of the. Connecticut is, for the most part, 
a fertile loam. The soil, in general, is better adapted to 
grazing than to tillage. 

9. Vegetable Products. —These are principally In¬ 
dian corn, rye, wheat, oats, barley, flax, and potatoes. 

10. Minerals.— Among the minerals are iron, marble, 
and freestone, all of which are largely obtained. 

11. Face of the Country. —The surface of the state 


Exercises on the Map of Connecticut .—Extent of Connecti¬ 
cut ? Population ? Population to the square mile ? Boundaries ? 
Describe the following: Fisheids Island; Long Island Sound. 
Where doet the Thames River empty? Which way does it flow? 


Tell the same of the Connecticut; the Farmington; Housatonic. 
Where is Hartford? Direction of principal places from Hartford? 

li E S S O N XXX. 1. Characteristics of Connecticut ? 
2. Mountains? 3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Mineral springs? 















































STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 49 


IS uneven, and greatly diversified. There are no mountains, 
but hills of moderate elevation are scattered everywhere, 
and there are few level tracts. 


12. Divisions. —Connecticut is divided into eight coun¬ 
ties, viz.: 


Counties. 

Pop. in 1850. 

County Towns. 

Pop. in 1840. 

1850. 

Fairtiuld. 

. 59,775. 

5 Dunbiu-y. 

/ tairtieUl. 


5.(Ki2 

3,(118 

Hurt lord. 


.Hartford. 

. 9.4()8 

13.555 

Lilclilleld. 




3.957 

Middlesi’X.. 



. 7,210 

8,443 

New Haven .... 

. 6i,iaG. 

..New Haven . ... 

. 12.9(10 

20.345 

New London... 


\ New Loudon... 
( Norwich. 

. 5.519 

9,006 

10.2(15 

Tolland. 




1.410 

Windham. 




1,515 


13. Chief Towns. — New Haven, one oi the capitals, 
and the principal city of the state, is situated on a small 
bay of Long Island Sound. It contains the State House 
and Yale College. The coasting trade is considerable, 
and some whale ships sail hence. Steamboats and a rail¬ 
road keep up a regular communication with New York. 
Hartford, the other capital, is situated on the west bank of 
the Connecticut, at the head of sloop navigation, and fifty 
miles from its mouth. It contains a State House, Deaf and 
Dumb Asylum, Insane Asylum, and Trinity College. 
It has an extensive trade. Norwich, at the head of naviga¬ 
tion on_ the Thames, is the third city in point of popu¬ 
lation. Its manufactures are extensive. New London is 
fourteen miles below Norwich, on the west bank of the 
Thames, near its mouth, and has an excellent harbor, which 
is defended by forts. The trade is considerable, and the 
whale and seal fisheries are actively prosecuted from this 
port. Sayhrook, situated on the Connecticut, is a flour¬ 
ishing town, and contains several manufactories. Middle- 
town is a pleasant town on the Connecticut, fifteen miles 
below Hartford. The coasting trade is considerable, and 
there are extensive manufactories. It contains the county 
buildings and a Wesleyan seminary. Bridgeport is a flour¬ 
ishing town on an indentation of Long Island Sound. It 
has some coasting trade. 


Distances from Hartford: 


Towns. 

Miles. 

Towns. 

New Haven. 


New London 




Litchfleid. 


New York.. 


14. Agriculture. —The Connecticut farmers are dis- 
tmguished for their skill and industry. 

15. Commerce. —Most of the foreign trade has been 
diverted to the New York market, but the coasting trade is 
extensive. 

16. Manufactures. —These are numerous, and of 
great variety, and the products are sent to all parts of the 
Union. Clocks, some of which are of wood, are made in 
great numbers, and sent to Mexico, South America, Great 
Britain, and even China, where they find a ready sale. 

17. Fishery. —The shad fishery in the Connecticut 
River is a source of some wealth, and is worthy of notice, 
as the fish are esteemed the best of the kind in the world. 

18. Railroads. —These are the Hartford, Providence, 
and Fishkill; New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield ; New 
Haven and Northampton (or Canal); Naugatuck; Housa- 
tonic ; New London, Willimantic, and Palmer; and Nor¬ 
wich and Worcester. The railroad between Boston and 
New York passes through Hartford and New Haven. 


6. Sea-coast? 7. Climate? 8. Soil? 9. Vegetable products? 

Minerals? W. Face of the country ? 12. Divisions ? 13. Chief 
towns? Distances from Hartford ? 14. Agriculture? 15. Com¬ 
merce? IG. Manufactures ? 17. Shad fishery? 18. Canals and 

7 


19. Educafiou.— Yale College, founded in 1700, is 
one of the oldest institutions in the country. Its funds are 
small, but its students are numerous. It has an ample 
library and cabinet of minerals. Trinity College at 
Hartford, and the Wesleyan University at Middletown, are 
thriving institutions. This state has a fund of $2,000,000 
consecrated to free schools, which are universal in the towns. 

20. History — The First Emigratiou — The 
Dutch. —In 1631, Gov. Winslow, and some people of the 
Plymouth colony, visited the valley of the Connecticut by 
invitation of an Indian chief, with a view to making a 
settlement there. The Dutch at New York sent a party 
up the river the next year, who erected a small fort at 
Hartford. Soon after, in October, 1633, a party of settlers 
from Plymouth came up the river. When they reached 
the fort, the Dutch forbade their proceeding further, and 
threatened to fire upon them. The adventurers, however, 
regai dless of this menace, advanced to Windsor, and estab¬ 
lished themselves there. The next year, the Dutch at¬ 
tempted to drive them away, but without success. 

21. Emigration of 1635. —In this year, a company 
of emigrants—men, women, and children—set out from 
towns near Boston, to establish themselves on the Connec¬ 
ticut River. They were sixty in number, and were attended 
by their cattle, which they drove before them. They reached 
their destination, but their sufferings were very great. 

22. Tlie Charter Oak. —Connecticut consisted of 
two separate colonies till 1665, when they became one. The 
charter was granted by Charles 11.; but James II. annulled 
it in 1686, and Sir Edmund Andros came to take it away. 
It was, however, seized and hidden in a tree, which still 
remains, and bears the title of the “ Charter Oak.” 

23. The Pequods. —These, one of the most cele¬ 
brated of the New England Indian tribes, had their seat in 
this state, and the early settlers suffered from their hostili¬ 
ties for many years. The destruction of this tribe, and their 
fort on Mystic River, in the present town of Groton, was 
one of the most tragical events in New England history. 
Capt. Mason, with some white men from Connecticut, and 
several hundred Indians, fell suddenly upon the Pequods, 
who had no suspicion of their danger. The white men 
rushed into the fort, but were on the point of being over¬ 
whelmed, when they set the frail cabins on fire, and the 
whole village was soon wrapped in a sheet of flame. Six 
hundred Indians perished—men, women, and children—and 
nearly all by the flames. The remaining savages were 
hunted and shot down, like deer in the woods. Two hun¬ 
dred of the whole tribe only remained, and these submitted 
in despair. These events occurred in 1637. 

24. The Revolution. —During the Revolutionary 
war, several flourishing towns—Fairfield, Danbury, &c.— 
were laid in ashes by the British troops. New London 
was burnt and plundered by the infamous Benedict Arnold, 
in 1781. At the same time, a detachment of Aniold’s 
force attacked Fort Griswold, on the opposite side of the 
Thames.. After a brave resistance. Col. Ledyard surren¬ 
dered his sword. This was taken from his hand and 
plunged through his body, and most of the garrison were 
slaughtered in cold blood. These atrocities left behind 
them a deep and bitter remembrance, not even yet effaced. 


railroads? 19. Education? What colleges in (his state ? 20. The 
first emigrants and the Dutch? 21. Emigration of 1636 ? 22. The 
Charter Oak? 23. The Pequods? Their destruction? 2^. The 
Revolution ? 







































50 


THE MIDDLE STATES. 


Extent, 111,796 square miles. 


cd 



Populdlioii in 1850, 6,624,992.—Population to square mile, 59.22. 


Lesson XXXI... The Middle States. 

1. Characteristics.— These states, occupying the 
middle part of the Atlantic states, have been thus charac¬ 
terized : 

The Middle States, for wealth renowned. 

By golden harvests yearly crowned, 

Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of the Middle States? 
Extent? Population? Population to the square mile? Describe 
the Delaware River; Delaware Bay; Susquehanna River; Chesa¬ 
peake Bay; Potomac River. Where does the Ohio River rise? 


Exhaustless mines within their breast. 
Favorites of nature stand confessed ! 

Rich in themselves, still art hath made 
The world pay tribute to their trade: 
Rivers, canals, and railroads pour 
Into their lap a golden store; 

While various seas rich burdens bear. 

To crowd their marts with all that’s rare. 






WCiich way does if flow ? What four ranges of mountains in Penn¬ 
sylvania? What mountains in New York? Boilndaries of New 
York? New Jersey? Pennsylvania? Delaware? Maryland? 
Direction of the several capitals from Albany ? 






























































































THE MIDDLE STATES. 


51 


2. MLoniitciiiis. —These states exhibit the most exten¬ 
sive mountain tracts to be found in the eastern portion of 
the Union. The Alleghanies, which extend to a width of 
two hundred miles, in Pennsylvania, and the Catskill Mount¬ 
ains, in New York, both of which belong to the great 
Aiialachian chain, are the most remarkable portions. 


Alleghanies. 

Cutskill.r.3804 

3. Valleys. —The great sti’eams have generally rocky 
banks, with little interval land ; but here and there, exten¬ 
sive valleys occur. The broadest is that of the Hudson, 
which, in one part of its course, is forty miles wide. 

4. Rivers. — The rivers of this region, especially the 
Hudson, the Delaware, and the Susquehanna, afford pecu¬ 
liar facilities for carrying the products to maikets of the 
great commercial cities. New York, Philadelphia, and 
Baltimore become their depositories. 


Leogtli in mile«. | Length in miles. 

Hudson.300 Susquehanna.450 

Delaware.309 | Potomac.350 

5. L.akes. —The great lakes Ontario and Erie, which 
form the northern boundary of the Middle States, constitute 
an important feature in their physical geography, and 
largely contribute to their commercial advantages. The 
small lakes of New York give an additional charm to the 
scenery of that state, and afford some advantages for navi¬ 
gation. 

6. Sea-coast. —This is mostly low, sandy, and level. 
The principal bays are Raritan, Chesapeake, and Delaware. 
The latter, fifty miles from its mouth, expands into a bay 
from ten to thirty miles wide, the navigation of Avhich is 
rendered somewhat difficult by shoals. Chesapeake Bay, 
or the estuary of the Susquehanna, is a broad, deep basin, 
185 miles in length. 

Vegetable Products. —The original vegetation of 
this region is greatly diversified. The soil and climate are 
peculiarly fitted to all kinds of grain. Wheat here attains 
its greatest perfection. Apples, peaches, pears, and grapes 
are abundant, and of the best quality. 

8. Animals. —The bear, wolf, moose, and wild turkey 
are found in the north. In the mountainous tracts of 
Pennsylvania, the common deer is abundant. The cougar, 
or panther, raccoon, opossum, pinnated grouse, ruffed grouse, 
and quail, are also common in some parts. 

9. Minerals. —Iron, coal, and marble are the chief 
minerals. The beds of these are inexhaustible. 

10. Climate. —This section enjoys a climate some¬ 
what milder than that of New England ; the central por¬ 
tion, being elevated 2000 feet above the level of the sea, 
experiences severe cold during the winter. 

11. Soil. —With such an extent and diversity of surface, 
there must be every variety. A large portion is extremely 
fertile, yet there are large tracts which are unproduc¬ 
tive. Only a small portion of the territory is under culti¬ 
vation. 

12. Face of flic Conntry* —Toward the sea, the land 
is a low alluvial level, indented by shallow inlets. Further 
inland, the country rises into hills and mountains. West of 
these, the country again sinks into swelling table-lands and 
valleys. On the whole, the surface of the Middle Suites is 
greatly diversified. 


13. Divisions. —These are as follows 


Names. Capitals. 

New York.Albany. 

New Jersey.Trenton. 

Pennsylvania.Harrisburg.' 


Names. 

Delaware. 

Maryland. 

District of Columbia^ 


Capitals. 

Dover. 

Annapolis. 

.Washington. 


14. liKliistry. — Agriculture is the chief employment, 
and is conducted on a grand scale. The commerce is also 
very extensive, of which the three great cities of New 
York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore are striking evidence. 
These have not only a great foreign commerce, but a vast 
trade with the interior, facilitated by numerous canals and 
railroads. The manufactures are varied and extensive. 
Mining, especially for coal and iron, is carried on upon a 
large scale. 

15. Canals and Railroads. —No part of the 
Union presents more extensive and numerous canals and 
railroads than the Middle States. These, in connection 
with the naUgable waters, afford extraordinary facilities for 
travel and transportation. 

16. Cities. —The great cities of this region are as fol¬ 
lows : 


Names. Pop. in 1840. 1850. I Names. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

New York. 312,712 515,507 I Philadelphia. 258,832 408.762 

Brooklyn. 36,233 96,838 | Baltimore. 102,313 169,054 

17. Distances from New York; 


Names. Miles. 

Albany.145 

Troy.151 

Ogdensbuig.3,55 

Rochester.365 

Buffalo.438 

Niagara Falls.450 

Trenton, N.J. 60 

Newark. 9 


Names. Miles. 

Philadelphia... 86 

Harrisburg.184 

Pittsbui-g.383 

Dover.161 

Wilmington, Del.114 

Baltimore..,183 

Annapolis.211 

Washington.225 


18. Iiiliabifaiits. — The Middle States wei’e settled by 
people from different countries —England, Holland, Ger¬ 
many, Denmark, and Sweden. From this circumstance, 
the population has always been more mixed than in New 
England. Those of English descent are, however, by far 
the largest class. In some villages, the original language, 
manners, and customs of the settlers are to be found, ivith 
little modification by time and circumstances. In Pennsyl¬ 
vania, there are large masses of Germans, and for these 
there are almanacs, newspapers, political documents, Bibles, 
Ac., printed in the German language. Still, the English 
generally prevails. 

19. History — Tlie Revolution* — The Middle 
States were the chief tlieater of action durino; the Revolu- 
tionary war. New York was captured by the British in the 
autumn of 1776, and they did not leave it till November 
25th, 1783. This city was the residence of the British 
commander-in-chief, and the center of all the military oper¬ 
ations throughout the country. 

20. Coiijifress. —Philadelphia was also in the posses¬ 
sion of the British from September 26th, 1777, till the 18th 
of June, 1778. Congress assembled at Philadelphia till it 
was threatened by the British, in the summer of 1777. 
After the war. New York was, for a time, the seat of gov¬ 
ernment ; and then Philadelphia, till it was removed to 
Washington, in 1800. 

21. Wasliiiigtoii. — Washington occupied stations 
upon the Hudson, and in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, for 
several years ; and his most celebrated displays of general¬ 
ship took place in battles and skirmishes within the three 
states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 


LESSON XXXI. 1. Characteristics of the Middle States? 
2. Mountains? 3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Sea- 
coast? 7. Vegetable pr<Aucts? 8. Animals? 9. Minerals? 
10. Climate? 11. Soil? 12. Face of the country? 13. Divi¬ 


sions? 14. Industry? 15. Canals and railroads? 16. Cities? 
17. Distances from New York? 18. Inhabitants? 19. New York 
during the Revolution? 20. Congress? Where did it assemble? 
21. Washington ? 











































































STATE OF NEW YORK. 




Extent, 46,000 square miles. 



Topulation in 18a0, S,097,^91.—Populalioii io ,v|uare mile, 07.66. 


Lesson XXXII... State of New York. 

1. Characteristics. —New York, sometimes called 
the Empire State, on account of its wealth and population, 
occupies a fine region, and exceeds every other state in 
population, riches, and commerce. 

2. Mountains. —The great eastern chain of the Blue 
Ridge, or Alleghanies, enters this state from New Jersey 
and Pennsylvania. The New Jersey branch crosses the 
Hudson near West Point, forming what is called the High¬ 
lands. The Pennsylvania branch bounds the Hudson 
River valley on' the west, under the name of the Catskill 
Mountains. The highest summit is Round Top, which is 
3800 feet high. In the northern part of the state, there is 
a range called the Mohegan Mountains. One of its peaks. 
Mount Marcy, is 5200 feet high. 

3. Valleys. —The valleys are narrow, and bordered by 

Exercises on the Map .—Extent of New York ? Population ? 
Population to the square mile ? Boundaries ^ What lake between 
Vermont and New York ? Describe the folloxoing: Oneida Lake; 
Owasco Lake ; Cayuga L^ake ; Seneca Lake; Crooked Lake; Ontario. 
Describe the Hudson River; Mohaxek. Where does the Susque¬ 
hanna River rise ? In what part of tJu state is the Erie Canal ? 


elevated land. The principal are those of the Hudson and 
Mohawk. 

4. Rivers.—The Hudson rises in the northern part of 
the state, and runs south to New York Bay. The tide 
flows up to Troy, 160 miles; and the river is navigable 
to Hudson, 130 miles, for ships, and to Troy for sloops. Its 
whole length is 324 miles. It is the only large Atlantic 
river in the country, the navigation of which is not closed 
by its passage through the Alleghany ridge. It is nowhere 
elevated more than 150 feet above tide-water. Above 
Troy, the Hudson receives its principal tributary, the Mo- 
hawk, which has its sources near Lake Ontario, and a 
course of about 135 miles, Avith a descent of 3.64 feet. The 
Genesee rises on the table-land near the northern boundary 
of Pennsylvania, and runs north across the western part of 
NeAv York, into Lake Ontario. At Rochester, fiA^e miles 
from its mouth, are falls of ninety-six feet; and at Carthage, 
just below Rochester, falls of seventy-five feet. Above 


Capital of the state? In what part of the state is the city of Nexo 
York? Direction of some of the principal towns from Albany ? What 
island at the southeastern part of the state ? What Sound separates 
this from Connecticut ? Where are the Catskill Moxintains ? 

LESSON XXXII. 1. Characteristics of New York? 
2. Moxmtains ? 3. Valleys ? 4. Rivers ? 5. Lakes ? 6. Islands ? 



























































































STATE OF NEW YORK. 


53 


those, the river is navigable nearly seventy miles, for boats. 
The other rivers, which have their whole course in New 
York, are the Racket, Black, Saranac, Oswegatchie, Oswego, 
and Cli,enango. They are from 40 to 120 miles in length. 
The Alleghany, Susquehanna, awll Delaware have their rise 
in this state, and the St. Lawrence forms part of the north¬ 
ern boundary. 

5. Lakes.— New York is noted for the number of its 
lakes. Lakes Erie and Ontario form part of the northern 
boundary, and Lake Champlain forms part of the eastern 
boundary. Lake George lies in the eastern part of the 
state, and is about tliirty-three miles long, by two wide. 
It empties its waters into Lake Champlain by an outlet three 
miles in length, with a descent of about 160 feet. Its 
waters are clear and pure, and it is dotted Avith over 200 
islands. On the table-land, a few miles from Lake Erie, is 
Lake Chaiitauque, about 1300 feet above the level of the 
sea, and 725 feet above Lake Erie. It is eighteen miles 
long, and from one to three wide, and discharges its waters 
through the river Alleghany—thus affording a boat naviga¬ 
tion to the Gulf of Mexico. Toward the center of the 
state are Lakes Canandaigua, Crooked, Seneca, Cayuga, 
Owasco, Skencateles, Onondaga, and Oneida. The longest, 
Cayuga, is forty miles long ; and the shortest, Onondaga, is 
seven miles long. Lake Seneca never freezes over, on ac¬ 
count of its depth. 

6. Islands.— Long Island projects from the Atlantic 

opposite the southern shore of Connecticut, a distance of 
120 miles. Its greatest breadth is twenty miles. The east 
end of the island is least settled, and deer, wild-fowl, and 
fish are found there. In the western part are some fine 
orchards, and the Newtown pippins are much celebrated. 
Staten Lsland, at the mouth ol York harbor, is sep¬ 

arated from Long Island by the Narrows. It is eighteen 
miles long, and seven broad. Manhattan, or New York 
Island, at the mouth of the Hudson, fifteen miles in length, 
with an average breadth of one mile and a half, contains 
New York city. Fisher's and Gardiner s islands are in the 
Atlantic, at the east end of Long Island; and Grand 
Island is in the Niagara River, above the Falls. 

7. Sea-coast. —The sea-coast of New York is nearly 
all comprised in the shores of Long Island, which contains 
a few harbors, but none that are much frequented by ship¬ 
ping. The bay or harbor of New York is safe and capa¬ 
cious ; its boundaries toward the sea are Staten and Long 
Islands ; it extends nine miles below the city, and is from 
a mile and a half to five miles broad ; it contains several 
small islands, on Avhich are fortifications. The Hudson 
enters this bay from the north. The Eiist River, or channel 
between New York and Long Island, connects it with Long 
Island Sound on the east. The Kills, a strait between 
Staten Island and the Jersey shore, communicates Avith 
NeAvark Bay and Raritan RiA'er on the Avest, and the Nar¬ 
rows open into the Atlantic tOAvard the south. At Ioav 
Avater, the entrance of large ships at the NarroAvs is difti- 
cidt, and the entrance from the Sound is obsti'ucted by the 
rocky strait of Hell Gate. Great South Bay is formed by a 
sandy beach some tAvo miles from the shore, on the south 
side of Long Island, and running nearly its AA-hole length, 
Avith several inlets. Reconic Bay is at the east end of Long 
Island, betAveen the tAvo points. Within this bay is Sag 
Harbor. 

8. Harbors on the Lakes. —There are several har¬ 


bors on Lake Ontario, the most noted of which are Socket's 
Harbor and Oswego. The former is deep and safe. It Avas 
an important naA^al station in the Avar of 1812. Buffalo has 
a commanding port at the eastern end of Lake Erie. Dun¬ 
kirk has a safe harbor on the same lake. 

9. Face of the Country. —The eastern part of this 
state is mountainous, and the Avestern part moderately un¬ 
even. The Alluvial Way, extending from the Niagara 
River to Rochester, seventy-eight miles in length, fifty to 
100 feet broad, thirty feet above the surrounding country, 
and 140 above Lake Ontario, near which it rises, is a re¬ 
markable natural curiosity. It is composed of shells and 
beach sand, and is noAv the site of an excellent road. 

10. Soil. —This is various, but may be characterized as 
generally good. The Avestern valleys are in the highest 
degree productive. 

11. Climate. —In a territory extending 400 miles, 
there must be considerable varieties of climate. In the city 
of NeAV York and the vicinity, the sea air renders the cli¬ 
mate moist and mild. Along the St. Lawrence, the country 
is elcA'ated and mountainous, and the Avinters are long and 
severe. The southern and middle portions, from the Hud¬ 
son to Lake Erie, have a mild climate, Avith prevalent 
southerly Avinds. 



Falls of J^^tagara, 


12. Cataracts. —The Falls of Niagara, AAdiicli are 
partly in this state, form the most stupendous cataract in 
the world. The Avaters, accumulated from the great upper 
lakes, forming a river about three-quarters of a mile in 
Avidth, are suddenly contracted, and plunge over the rocks, 
in tAvo columns, to the depth of 160 feet. The shock 
causes the earth to tremble for a considerable distance 
around, and a cloud of vapor rises over the spot, Avhich is 
sometimes visible for sixty or seventy miles. The Falls of 
Trenton, tAvelve miles north of Utica, are esteemed among 
the finest in the AA^orld. The Cohoes Falls are formed b}’’ 
the passage of the MohaAvk over a Avail of rock, in one 
sheet, sixty-tAvo feet high. At Rochester, the Genesee has 
a fall of 96 feet. At Ithaca, Fall Creek has a descent of 
438 feet in the space of a mile. The Cauterskill Falls are 
a beautiful cascade of great elevation, in the Highlands. 

13. Natural Scenery.— The lakes George, Cayuga, 
Seneca, <5rc., are beautiful sheets of Avatei-, and renowned 
for the charming landscapes along their banks. The scen¬ 
ery of tlu* Hudson River is grand and beautiful. 

14. Mineral Spring's.— The mineral springs of Ball- 
ston and Saratoga are the resort of invalids at all seasons, 
and of tl)e fashionable Avorld during summer. The salt 


7 . Sca-coast ? 8 . Harbors on Lake Ontario ? 9 . Face of the coun¬ 


try? 10 . Soil? 11 . Climate? 12 . Cataracts? 13 . Natural 












































54 


STATE OF NEW YORK. 


springs near Syracuse annually yield four million bushels of 
salt. Sharon Springs, in Schoharie county, are much 
resorted to by invalids. 

15. Minerals. —Gypsum is found on the Cayuga Lake, 
marble at Sing Sing, iron in several places, and petrolium, 
under the name of Genesee oil, occurs in the west. 

16. VegelaWe Products. —The mountains are cov¬ 
ered with evergreens ; the western part of the state presents 
forests of the largest growth. All kinds of grain are pro¬ 
duced in abundance, as well as the fruits of this latitude. 

17. J^ative Auiinals. —The moose is found along the 
St. Lawrence. Beare, wolves, racoons, foxes, wild turkeys, 
and the common deer, are met with in some parts of the state. 

« 18. Agriculture. —This is the chief employment, and 

is conducted on a great scale. 

19. Mauufactures. —These are in great variety, and 
very extensive ; they are also increasing. 

20. Coiuiuerce. —This state is the first in the Union, 
as to the extent of its commerce. 

21. Cauals. —The Hudson River and Erie Canal, the 
first and most important great enterprise of the kind in the 
United States, opens a water communication from the sea 
to the ffreat lakes—thus affordinir an outlet for the immense 
products of the interior. There are several other very im¬ 
portant canals, and many of minor consequence. 

22. Kaili’oails. —A railroad extends from the city of 
New York to Albany, and thence to Buffalo. Another ex¬ 
tends from New York, across the country, to Lake Erie. 
Other railroads, in connection with the canals, afford facili¬ 
ties Tor transportation and travel throughout the state. 

23. Steaiuboat Navigation. —This was first estab¬ 
lished by Fulton on the Hudson; and here are the finest 
river steamboats in the world. The number of passengers 
transported on this stream by steamboats, is several mil¬ 
lions annually. 

24. Educatiou. —The state of New York has made 

the most liberal provisions for education. The number of 
common schools is over twelve thousand. There are many 
seminaries of the hi;j:her class, amoiw which may be named 
Columbia College and the University, in the city of New 
York; Uiifoa at Schenectady ; 'Anii Hamdton Col-' 

lege, at Clinton. 

25. Pivisious. —The state of New York is divided into 
fifty-eight counties, as follows : 


Counties. 

Albany . •. 
Alleghany 
Broome. 
Cattaraugus. • ■ 

Cayuga . 

Chautauque 

Ciiemung. 

Chenango . 

Clinton. 

Cortland. 

Delaware. 

Erie. 

Essex. 

Franklin.. 

Fulton.. 

Cenesee. 

Hamilton. 

Herkimer. 

Jefferson. 

Lewis. 

Livingston ...• 

iMad'sou. 

Monroe. 

Montgomery , 
Niagara. 


NORTHERN DISTRICT. 


p. in 1850. 

County Towng- 

Pep. in 1840. 

93,279 . 



37,808. 


. 1,257 




38.950 . 


. 1,084 

55,458 . 



50,493 . 



28,821 . 

. Elmira. 

. 4,791 

40.311. 



40,047 . 



2r>,140. 



39.834 . 

.Dflhi. 


...... 



31, us . . .. 


. 

2.5,102. 


. 

. 3,229 

, 20,171 . 



28,488 . 



. 2,188 . 

. Lake Pleasant- • • 

. 296 

. 38,244. . 

. Herkimer . 





. 24,564 . 



. 40,875 . 


. 2,892 

43,072 . 



87,650 . 



31,992 . 



42,276 . 




tsso. 

50,703 

9,548 


42,261 


•36,561 

12,403 


Oneida. 99,566. 


Counties. Fop. in 1850. County Towns. 

Utica .. 

Rome.. 

VVhitestown. 

Onondaga. 85.890.Syracuse. 

Ontario. 43.929.Canandaigua . 

Orleans. 28,501.Albion. 

.«2,i 98.IteT;::::: 

Otsego. 48.6.38.Cooperstown . 

Rensselaer. 73.363.Troy. 

Saratoga. 45.646.Ballston. 

Sc^’cnectady. 20,0.'>4..- .Schcnect.ady . 

Schoharie. 33,.148.Schoharie_ 

.. 1 W^derloo .••• 

St. Lawrence. 68,617.Canton. 

Steuben. 63,771.Bath. 

Tioga. 24.880.Owego. 

Tompkins. 38,746....'.Ithaca. 

Warren. 17,199.Caldwell. 


Washington. 44,750 

Wayne. 44.953 

W^yomiug.31,981 

Yates. 20,590 


Pop. in ISIO 

12,782 
5,680 
5,156 
6,i>00 
5,652 
1,400 
5,9ti3 
700 
1,400 
19.334 
2,044 
6,784 
5.534 
2,721 
3,036 
3,465 
4,915 
5,340 
5,650 
693 

Argyle. 2,855 

Sandy Hill.'. 1,01MJ 

Lyons. 4,302 

Warsaw 

Penn Yan. 1,800 


1850. 

17,565 


22,235 


12,199 

28,785 


SOUTHERN DISTRICT. 

Columbia. 43.073. 

Dutchess. 58,992. 


Kings 


Orange. 57,145... 

Putnam.. 14,1.38... 

Queens . • .•. 36,833... 

Richmond.15,061... 

Rockland. 16.962. •. 

Suffolk. 36,922... 

Sullivan. 25,088-•• 

Ulster. 59,384... 

Westchester.58503--. 


. • Hudson .. 

5,672 

6,214 

.. Poughkeepsie. 

. 10,(MI6 

13.944 

.. nnt<5kill. 

5,339 

36,233 

5.4.54 

96.838 

. Brooklyn. 

. • New York. 

312.712 

51.5.394 

i Coshen .. 

3,889 

3.1.50 

} Newburg. 

8,933 

11.417 

• - Carmel. 

2,263 

2.442 

-.Richmond. 

;i.891 

200 

4,291 

.. Clarkstown. 

2,533 

3.111 . 

..Riverhead. 

. - Monticello. 

2,449 

.500 

2,541 

.. Kingston. 

5,824 

10.2.52 . 

5 Bedford. 

2,822 

1,087 

3,209 

i White Plains. 

1,419 

wnships is about 

800. 

There 


are over 100 incorporated villages, many of wliich liave 
names different from the towns in which they are situated. 


Plan of the City of JVcw York. 



26. Chief Towns—City of New York. —This is 
situated on an island about fifteen miles in length, which 
divides the Hudson into two brandies. To the southwest 
lies the bay, nearly encircled by land, entered from the sea 
by a passage called the Narrows. The harbor is one of 
the finest in the world. The multitude of vessels which 
surround jthe city, whose masts look like a forest stripped 
of its leaves, with the steamboats constantly arriving and 
departing, give evidence of the activity and extent of the 
trade and commerce which center in this great metropolis. 


scenery ? 14. Mineral springs ? 
products? 17. Native animals? 


15. Minerals? 16. Vegetable 
18. Agriculture? 19. Manu¬ 


factures? 20. Commerce? 
i 23. Steamboat navigation ? 


21. Canals? 22. Railroads? 
24. Education? 25. Divisions? 





























































































































































































STATE OF NEW YORK. 


New York is, in fact, the chief city of the western conti¬ 
nent, and one of the greatest commercial places in the 
world. Standing at the mouth of the Hudson, it receives 
the produce not only of the greater part of the state of New 
York, but wheat, flour, beef, pork, and other articles, from 
the prolific borders of the great lakes. By means of its 
various rivers, canals, and railroads,^ it not only receives the 
wealth of a vast territory, but it distributes over the same 
refrions the merchandise and manufactures collected from 

O 

every quarter of the world. The commerce of New York, 
by sea, is conducted on a vast scale. Regular lines of 
packets are established, which run to Boston, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Charleston,- New Orleans, the West Indies, 
London, Havre, &c. There is hardly a sea in the world 
which is not dotted by the ships of New York. Among the 
curious and interesting objects in this city, we may mention 
Broadway, one of the finest streets in the Avorld ; the Park, 
which is ornamented by the City Hall ; a splendid 
belonging to the Croton Aqueduct, which is forty-one miles 
long, and supplies the city with abundance of excellent 
water; the Battery, which is a handsome promenade 
skirted by the Bay; the Exchange, a noble edifice in Wall 
street; Trinity Church, the finest Gothic structure in the 
Avestern hemisphere, Ac. 

27. Brooklyn. —The state of New York is remarkable 
for the number of its flourishing towns, and their rapid 
growth and prosperity. Among these, in addition to the 
metropolis, just described, Ave may mention Brooklyn, on 
Long Island, opposite NeAV York. It is the seat of the 
navy-yard, is a fine and flourishing city, and the second 
place in the state as to population. 

28. Towns along: the Hudson. — Albany, the 
capital, occupies a steep declivity on the Avestern bank of 
the river, at the beginning of the Erie and Champlain 
Canals, and several railroads, Avhich extend into the interior. 
It is an old and rich town, Avith a substantial trade. Pough¬ 
keepsie, the chief town of Dutchess county, is noted for its 
agricultural Avealth. Newhurg is the chief depot of the cele¬ 
brated butter and cheese of Orange coimty. Here is the 
house occupied by Washington, as his headquarters, for sev¬ 
eral years, during the Revolutionary Avar. West Point is 
famous for its charming scenery and military academy. 
Hudson is an old trading town, which has some ships en¬ 
gaged in the whale fishery. Troy has risen into importance 
Avithin the last thirty years, and is the seat of an active 
inland trade. 

29. Towns along:- the Erie Canal. —Among 
these we may mention Schenectady, the seat of Union 
College ; Utica, a beautiful and thriving town, near the 
center of the state ; Syracuse and Salina, famous for their 
salt-Avorks ; Rochester, renoAvned as having become a great 
city, Avhere an unbroken forest existed forty years ago ; 
Lockport, where the canal descends by five double locks ; 
and Buffalo, the chief port of Lakq Erie, doubtless destined 
to be one of the great cities of this continent. 

30. Other Noted Towns. —Among these are Au¬ 
burn, the seat of a celebrated state-prison ; Geneva, interest¬ 
ing for its college and its delightful situation ; Canandaigua, 
remarkable for its wealth and beauty ; Saratoga and Ball- 
ston, noted for their mineral springs ; Palmyra, Brockport, 
Albion, Batavia, &c., for their sudden growth and pros¬ 
perity. 


Cliief Towns: 

Pop. in 1850.1 Pop. in 1850. 

New York... .515,507l\Viniamsburg.30.780 

Drookljai. 96.838 Troy.‘38,785 

Albany. 50.703 Utica.17..5G5 

Buffalo.42,261 Poughkeepsie.13,944 

Rochester.... 36,403 Newbiu'gh-11,415 

Distances from N. York; 

Miles. 

Hudson.i 16 

Poughkeepsie.... 74 
Ellicottvilie.300 


gewtstcy. 


Miles. 

Albany.145 

Buffalo.433 

Schenectady.161 

Utica.237 


Dunkirk, by railr’d470 

31. History — Annals.— 

Hudson River Avas discovered by 
the Dutch in 1609, and Manhat¬ 
tan Island, on Avhich New York 
city stands, Avas first settled by 
some Dutch people, in 1612. 
Numerous settlers came over 
from Holland, and the colony 
was soon in a flourishing condi¬ 
tion. It was claimed by the 
British that the territory belonged 
to them, and that the settlement 
by the Dutch Avas an intrusion : 
hence they captured it, as before 
stated, in 1664, and though the 
Dutch retook it in 1673, it was 
restored the year after, and con¬ 
tinued one of the British colonies 
till the Revolution. 

32. Tke Six Nations.— 
The Avestern part of this state 
was the chief seat of a poAverful 
Indian confederacy called the 
Six Nations. During the wars 
Avith the French, they gave grciit 
trouble to the settlers of New 
York ; and, in one instance, laid 
Schenectady in ashes, and butch¬ 
ered the greater part of the in¬ 
habitants. During the Revolu¬ 
tion, they took part with the 
British, and inflicted terrible 
ravages ; but they suffered a se¬ 
vere retaliation. Gen. Sullivan 
marched against them in 1779, 
and made their thriving villages 
and cornfields a scene of ruin and 
desolation. A few remnants of 
these tribes still remain in the 
Avestern part of the state. 

33. Burgoyiie’s Sun’en- 
der. —One of the most memo¬ 
rable events in the history of our 
country, the capture of Bur- 
goyne and his army, already 
noticed, occurred in this state. 
It took place near Saratoga, on 
the 18th day of October, 1777, 
and served to rouse the spirits 
of the nation, which had sunk to 
the lowest ebb, in consequence 
of repeated defeats, and the suc¬ 
cesses of the enemy. 






26. City of New York? 27. Brooklyn? 28. Albany? Other 
towns along the Hudson? 29. 2hwtis along the Erie Canal? ‘ 


30. Other noted towns ? ZH. Discovery and settlement of New York? 
32. The Six Nations? 33. Burgoyne’s surrender? 
































66 STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 




Extent, 8,120 square miles. 


blD 

C 





Population in 1850, 489,55§.—Pop. to the square mile, 60.01. 


Lesson XXXI11.. .Slate of New Jersey. 

1. Characteristics.—This is a small 
state, but noted for its interesting history. 

2. Mountains.—Two of the branches of 
the Appalachian Chain cross the northern part 
of this state, under the general name of Blue 
Mountains. An eminence called Schooley's 
Mountain, in the western part of the state, is 
much visited in summer for its fine scenery. 

There are mineral springs in the neighborhood. 

The Palisadoes are a rocky precipice of con¬ 
siderable elevation, extending twenty miles 
along tbe western shore of the Hudson. 

3. Rivers.—The Hudson washes the east¬ 
ern, and the Delaware the western limit of the 
state. The Raritan affords navigation for ves¬ 
sels of eighty tons, for seventeen miles. The 
Passaic is navigable ten miles for small vessels ; 
the Hackensack for fifteen miles, and Great Egg 
Harbor River twenty miles for smaller craft. 

4. Bays and Harbors.—Though this 
state has a long line of sea-coast, it is deficieni 
in harbors. Newark Bay is a kind of lake, 
connected by long outlets with the sea. Rar¬ 
itan Bay affords a good shelter for vessels. 

Delaware Bay, between New Jersey and Dela¬ 
ware, is sixty-five miles long, and thirty wide 
at the broadest part. 

5. Cataract.—The Falls of the Passaic, 
at Paterson, are formed by the passing of the 
river over a natural w^all forty yards in width, 
and seventy feet in hight. The scenery around 
is wild and beautiful. 

6. Vegetable Produets.—The common 
forest trees attain a moderate elevation. Wheat, 
rye, maize, buckwheat, potatoes, &c., thrive in 
some parts of the state. Apple orchards are 
common, and the finest cider is made in the 
vicinity of Newark. 

7. Animals.—Some of the smaller quad¬ 
rupeds abound in the mountainous regions— 
such as the raccoon, fox, Avild-cat, opossum, 
hare, and squirrel. Deer are not uncommon. 

8. Miuerals.—The minerals of this state are marl, 
used in agriculture, potter’s clay, white sand for glass- 
making, bog-iron ore, and Franklinite. 

9. Climate.—The greater part of New Jersey being 
open to the influence of the sea air, enjoys a milder climate 
than New York or Pennsylvania. 

10. Soil.—In the northern part, the soil is good for 
agriculture and grazing. The southern portion is flat, 
sandy, and in some parts, marshy. 

11. Face of the Country*—In the north, it is 
mountainous; in the middle, hilly; in the south, flat. 

12. Manufactures.—These are extensive, embracing 
articles of brass, iron, cotton, Avood, glass, &c., &c. Pat¬ 
erson is the seat of the largest establishments. Newark 
has extensive manufactories of leather, carriages, hats, fur¬ 
niture, trunks, clothing, and a great A^ariety of other articles. 

Exercises on the Map of New Jersey .—Boundaries of 
New Jersey? Extent? Population in 1840? Population to the 
square mile? Describe the following rivers; Raritan; Passaic; 
Little Egg Harbor; Great Egg Harbor. What river forms part 
of the eastern boundary of New Jersey ? What river and bay form 


13. Divisions. —New Jersey is divided into— 


Connties. 

Atlantic . 

Bergen . 

Burlina;lon. 

Cape May. 

Pop* in 1850* 

. 43,203 . 

. 25,422 . 

County Towns. Pop. in 1840* 

IS60. 

3,486 

Cumberlaud .... 

.17,189. 


— 


Kssex. 

. 73,950 . 

. Newark . 

... 17,200 

38,885 

Gloucester . 





Hudson . 





Flunterdon . 





Mercer . 




6,766 


.QH . 



10,020 

Monmouth . 




Morris . 





Ocean . 





Passaic . 




21.341 

Salem . 





Somerset . 

. 19,688 . 




Sussex . 




8,276 

Warren . 






14. Agriculture.— In the southern parts the barren 


the western boundary? What cape at the southern extremity of 
New Jersey ? What mountains in the north ? 

LESSON XXXIII. 1. Characteristics of New Jersey? 2. 
Mountains ? 3. Rivers ? 4. Bays and Harbors ? 5. Cataract ? 

6. Vegetable products ? 7. Animals ? 8. Minerals ? 9. Cli- 














































































































STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 


57 


I 


The Battle o 

soil gives little encouragement to the farmer ; in the north¬ 
ern and middle portions, great attention is paid to the 
culture of garden vegetables, fruits, &c. Many cattle are 
produced, and considerable quantities of grain. 

15. Commerce. —The direct foreign commerce of 
New Jersey is not great, most of the transactions being 
carried on through the cities of New York and Philadelphia. 
There is a good deal of shipping owned in the state, and 
an active coastinsr trade is carried on from its numerous 

O 

small rivers and inlets. 

16. Fislieries.— On the sea-coast, near Staten Island, 
are extensive oyster-beds, which are highly profitable. 
The shad fishery along the Atlantic coast and the banks of 
the Delaware, is also extensive, and employs a great part 
of the population in the southern counties. 

lY. Canals. —There are several of these, of which the 
Morris Canal, extending 100 miles from New Yoi'k to the 
Pennsylvania coal region; the Delaware and Raritan, ex¬ 
tending from New Brunswick to Bordentown, forty-three 
miles, are the most considerable. 

18. Kailroads.— There are several of these, which 
afford rapid communication between New York and Phila¬ 
delphia, with branches which lead in other directions. 

19. Education. —The college at Princeton, called 
Nassau Hall, is a respectable institution, with a fine library. 
There is a Presbyterian theological seminaryAt the same place. 
Rutgers College, in N. Brunswick, is a thriving establishment. 

20. Chief Towns. — Trenton, the seat of govern¬ 
ment, is finely situated on the Delaware, at the head of 
tide-water. Newark, on the Passaic, nine miles from New 
York, is a very pleasant town, famed for its manufactures 
of leather and carriages, and for the cider made in its 
neighborhood. Elizabethtown, Burlington, Morristown, 
and New Brunswick, are agreeable places. Paterson is 
distinguished for its manufactures, situated at the Falls. 


’ Princeton. 

Princeton is the seat of tlie college of New Jersey. Am- 
hoy is noted for its excellent harbor; and Long Branch is 
a favorite resort for sea-bathing in summer. 

21. History—Annals. —New Jersey was first settled 
by the Dutch, in 1624. The Swedes, in 1638, purchased 
the land along the Delaware from the Indians; and in 
1640, the English began a settlement within these limits 
at Elsingburg on the Delaware, but were soon driven back 
by the Swedes and Dutch. The Swedes built a fort at 
Elsingburg, and retained possession till 1635, when the 
Dutch of New York took all their posts, and sent the 
Swedes back to Europe. The English, in 1664, after re¬ 
ducing New York, turned their arms against these settle¬ 
ments, which immediately submitted. The Duke of York 
made a grant of the country to Lord Berkely and Sir 
George Carteret, and the territory was named New Jersey, 
in compliment to the latter, who had been governor of the 
isle of Jersey. The seat of government was established 
at Elizabethtown. The Dutch afterward reconquered the 
whole country, but soon gave it up. In 1656, the 
territory was divided into East and West Jersey. In 
1Y02, the proprietors surrendered both divisions to the 
crown, and they were formed into' a single government by 
Queen Anne. They were ruled by one governor, but con¬ 
tinued to choose two assemblies. In 1Y38, two governors 
were again appointed. In 1Y76, the present-constitution 
established the consolidation of the two governments. 

22. Tlie Revolution.— New Jersey was the theater 
of some of the most interesting events in the Revolutionary 
war. “ Terrible times in the Jerseys,” was at one gloomy 
period a proverbial expression. Important battles were 
fought at Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth, in all of Avhich 
Washington commanded in person. The latter engagement, 
Avhich was one of the most celebrated of the war, occurred 
at a place now called Freehold, June 28, 1YY8. 



mate ? 
lures ? 


10 . 

13. 


Soil? 11. Face of the Country? 
Divisions ? 14. Agriculture ? 

8 


12. Manufac- 
15. Commerce ? 


16. Fisheries? 17. Canals? 18. Railroads? "iA. Education? 
20. Chief towns? 21. History? 22. The Revolution? 















































58 


STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Extent, 16,000 square miles. 


orj 

OO 


’^UuiLsoil 


7*^ * i ^ 

f^/ g 

Cl 



Population in 1850, 2,111,786. Population to the square mite, 50.25. 


Lesson XXXIV... State of Pennsylvania. 

1. Characteristics.— Tliis is a large, wealtliy, and 
populous state, comprising the center of the great Alle¬ 
ghany range of mountains, and having the richest coal 
mines in the country. 

2. Mountains. —The Appalachian Chain here spreads 
to its widest limits, and covers, with its various ranges, more 
than one half of the state. The greatest width of the 
chain equals 200 miles. It consists of several ridges, 
sometimes near each other, and sometimes having valleys 
twenty or thirty miles between. The Kittatinny, or Blue 
Mountains, extend from Maryland to New Jersey, and cross 
both the Susquehanna and the Delaware. The Alleghany 
Mountains, consisting of a series of ranges, bearing differ¬ 
ent names, form the great central ridge; the peaks some¬ 
times risinof to the hi^ht of 4000 feet above the level of 
the sea. The name Alleghany is popularly given to the 
whole system of mountains in Pennsylvania. West of the 
central chain are Laurel Ridge and Chestnut Ridge. These 
mountains are, in general, covered witH forests, which form 
the secure retreat of bears, panthers, deer, raccoons, (fee. 

3. Valleys.— The valleys of the Susquehanna and its 
branches are very irregular, sometimes spreading out to 
the extent of fifty miles, and again contracting into narrow 


and rocky gateways, only admitting the passage of the 
streams. The scenery here is sometimes exceedingly wild 
and picturesque. The valleys between the mountain ridges 
generally present a hilly and broken surface. 

4. Rivers.— The Delaware washes the eastern limit of 
the state, and is navigable for large ships to Philadelphia. 
The Lehigh and Schtiylkill are small streams flowing into 
the Delaware. The Alleghany rises in the state of New 
York, and flowing southward, meets the Monongahelq, 
which rises in Virginia, at Pittsburg, where they unite and 
form the Ohio river. The Susquehanna rises in two 
branches: the north branch has its origin in Otsego Lake, 
New York ; the west branch has its source in the elevated 
region between the Alleghany and Laurel ridges. This 
river is 450 miles in length, and is the largest in the United 
States, east of the Alleghany Mountains. It abounds in 
fish, and especially in salmon and shad, toward its mouth. 
A great part of it is obstructed by falls and rapids, which 
render it less advantageous for navigation. The Juniata, 
a branch of the Susquehanna, is noted for its picturesque 
borders. 

5. take Coast.— No part of this state lies upon the 
sea; but the northwest corner extends forty miles along 
Lake Erie, where the harbor of PresqrC Isle, or Erie, af¬ 
fords a haven for small vessels. 


Exercises on the Map of Pennsylvania .—Boundaries of 
Pennsylvania ? Extent ? Population ? Population to the square 
mile ? What river between New Jersey and Pennsylvania ? What 
great river runs through the interior of the state? Where does the 
Susquehanna River empty ? What two rivers unite at Pittsburg ? 


Where are the Blue Mountains ? Alleghany Mountains ? Where 
is Laurel Ridge ? Chestnut Ridge ? Capital of Pennsylvania ? 
Direction of the principal towns from Harrisburg ? 

LESSON XXXIV. 1. Characteristics of Pennsylvania? 
2. Mountains? 3. Valleys? Rivers? 5. Lake coast? 6. Min- 














































































STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


6. lUiiieral Springes.—Tlie Bedford Springs, near 
the town of that name, discovered in 1804, are much re¬ 
sorted to for chronic and cutaneous diseases. There are 
several salt springs in the state, 

7. Caves. —In Laurel Mountain is a cavern which has 
been traversed for two miles. Its roof is covered with 
thousands of bats. In Durham, on the Delaware, is a 
cave abounding with pools and rivulets. At Carlisle is 
another, in which human bones have been discovered. 

8. Vegetable Products. —The immense forests of 
this state present great variety, both of firs and deciduous 
trees. The catalpa here grows wild, and the laurel be¬ 
comes a tree. Immense quantities of timber are obtained. 
The products of agriculture are grains of every kind, in 
great abundance, with the common fruits of a mild and 
temperate region. Native grapes are abundant, and the 
peach here reaches high perfection. 

9. Animals. —The bear, panther, raccoon, and wild 
deer are common in the mountains ; squirrels abound ; the 
opossum is common in the cultivated districts. Grouse, 
quails, and pigeons are abundant. The wild turkey is met 
with in the wooded districts. 

10. Minerals. —Pennsylvania presents a varied store 
of. useful minerals. Among them are lime, marl, sand¬ 
stone, clays and slates, with iron and coal. The iron is of 
several species, and wrought to an immense extent. In 
the west, in the region of Pittsburg, bituminous coal of the 
finest quality is abundant; to the northeast, between the 
Delaware and the Susquehanna, there are inexhaustible 
beds of anthracite coal, which is distributed for fuel through¬ 
out the Atlantic states. The annual product of these mines 
is several millions of dollars. 

11. Climate. —Pennsylvania has three climates: to 
the east of the mountains, it is mild, like New Jersey ; in 
the mountains, tlie winter is severe, with deep snow ; west 
of the mountains, the seasons are steady and mild—the 
autumn is especially long and serene. 

12. Soil. —East of the mountains, the soil is excellent, 
beinff enriched bv the washinofs of the hills. In the mid- 
die country, the high ridges are rocky and barren, but the 
valleys are fertile. In the western region, especially near 
the rivers, the soil is excellent. 

13. Face of the Country. —Pennsylvania presents a 
great eastern and western slope of a level or undulating 
character. The central region consists of elevated table¬ 
lands, traversed by parallel ridges. 

14. Divisions. —Pennsylvania is divided into 


Countiei. Pop. m IS50. Connty Towns. Pop. in 1840. 

Adams. 25,981.Gettysburg. 1,908 

Alleghany.138.290.Pittsburg. 21,115 

Armstrong. 29,560 1 .Kittaning. 1,323 

beaver. 26,689.•••-Beaver-.. 551 

Bedford. 23,052 .Bedford. 1,022 

Berks. 77,129.Reading. 8,410 

Blair. 21,777.Hollidaysburg. 1,893 

Bradford. 42,831.Towanda. 912 

Bucks. 56,091.Doyloston, Bristol, 905, I,4:i8 

Butler. 30.346.Butler. 861 

Cambria. 17,773.Ebensburg. 353 

Carbon. 15,686.Mauch Chunk. . 

Centre. 23,355.Bellefonte. 1,031 

Chester. 66.438.Westchester. 2,152 

Clarion. 23.565.Clarion. . 

Clearfield. 12,586.Clearfield. . 

Clinton. 11,207.Lock Haven. 150 

Columbia_.'.17,710.Bloomsbiirg. 1,000 

Crawford. 37,849.Meadviile. 1.319 

Cumberland.. 34,327.Carlisle. 4,351 

l)au|ihin.. 35,754.Harrisburg. 6,020 


1850 
2,180 

2,050 

15 821 
2.917 
1.171 
1005. 2.570 
1.153 

2,558 

3,190 


4..579 

8.173 


Coantie?. Pop. in I860, County Townt Pop. in 1840. 

Delaware. 24,679.Chester. 1,790 

Elk. 3,531.Ridgeway. . 

Erie. 38,742.Erie. 3,412 

Fayette. 39,112.Uniontown. 1,710 

Forest. .Kil. 

Frankjin. 39.904.Chambersburg. 3,239 

Fulton. 7,51)7. 

Greene.22,1:16.Waynesburg. . 

Huntingdon. 24,786.Huntingdon. 1,145 

Indiana. 27.170.Indiana. 674 

Jefferson. 12.9.57.Brookville. 276 

Juniata. i:i.029.Mifllintowu. 420 

Lanciister. 98.944.Lancaster. 8,417 

Lawrence.21.inu.Newcastle. . 

Lebanon. 26.071.Lebanon. I,8li0 

Lehigh. 32,479.Allentown. 2,493 

Luzerne. 56.072. Wilkesbarre. 1,718 

Lycoming. 26.257.Williamsport. 1,353 

McKean. 5,254.Smethport. . 

Mercer. 3:1.172.Mercer. 781 

Mifflin. 14.980.Lewistown. 2,058 

Monroe. 13,270.Stroudsburg. 407 

Montgomery. 58,291.Norristown. 2,937 

Montour. 13,239.Danville. . 

Northampton. 40,235...Easton. 4,865 

Northumberland. 23,272.Sunbury. 1,108 

Perry. 20,088.Bloomfield. 412 

Philadelphia.408,762.I’hiludelphia.258,832 

Pike. 5,881.Milford. 648 

Potter. 6,048.Coudersport. 140 

Schuylkill. 60,713.Orwigsburg. 779 

Somerset. 24,416.Somerset. 638 

Sullivan. 3,694.Laporte .. . 

Susquehanna. 28,688.Montrose. 633 

Tioga. 23,987.Wellsborough. . 

Union. 26,083.New Berlin. 679 

Venango. 18,310.Franklin. 595 

Warren. 13,671.Warren. 737 

Washington. 44,939.Washington. 2,062 

Wayne. 21.890.Honesdale. 1,086 

Westmoreland. 51,726.Greensbnrg. 800 

Wyoming. 10,655.Tunkhannock. . 

York.... 57,450 .York. 6,776 


59 


5,850 


4,272 

1,022 

1,479 

763 

48.5 

12.382 

1,614 

3,780 

2,003 

1.014 

2.735 

841 

6,032 

330 

1,213 

408,762 

830 

909 


916 


1,009 

3.200 

2.268 

1,050 

7,709 


15. Agriculture.— In the east, the farms are large and 
well managed. Near Philadelphia, fruits abound ; peaches, 
pears, apples, and grapes being produced in high perfection. 
Wheat and maize are the chief staples of the state. Buck¬ 
wheat, rye, oats, barley, hemp, and flax, are cultivated. 
Great attention is paid to the rearing of sheep and cattle. 

16. Manufactures. —Tliese are very extensive, and 
greatly varied. Those of iron, at Pittsburg and other 
places, are on an immense scale. Glass, woolen goods, 
cottons, floor-cloths, carpeting, edge-tools, bells, and salt, 
are among these products. 

] 7. Commerce.— The foreign commerce is centered 
at Philadelphia. This port has also considerable coasting 
trade. Its interior trade with the west, aided by canals 
and. railroads, leading to Pittsburg and Wheeling, is im¬ 
mense. Large covered wagons of peculiar construction 
are greatly used for transportation, though the railroads 
and canals have monopolized most of this business. 

18. JLumberiiig. —This trade is carried on to a con¬ 
siderable extent, especially down the Susquehanna. 

19. Milling.—The mining operations are very ex¬ 
tensive, particularly for iron and coal. 

20. Fisheries.— The shad and salmon fisheries alonor 

O 

the Susquehanna are considerable. 

21. Caiials and Railroads.— These are numer¬ 
ous, consisting of State Works and those belonging to pri¬ 
vate companies. The former, begun in 1825, comprise a 
series of railroads and canals, extending across the country 
from the tide-waters of the Delaware to the Ohio, and 
branching off in different directions to every part of the 
state. Tlie Grand Trunk extends from Philadelphia to 
Pittsburev, 400 miles. The whole cost of these works was 
$25,000,000. The canals and railroads executed by com- 


eral springs? 7. Caves? 8. Vegetable products? 9. Anvnals? trg? 14. Divisions? 15. Agriculture? 16. Manufactures? 
10. Minerals? 11. Climate? 12. Soil? 13. Face of the coun- 17. Commerce? 18. Lximbering ? 18. Mining ? 20. Fisheries? 




























































































































































































60 


STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


parties are also very numerous, spreading over the state 
like net-work. 

22. Education. —Amoncr the hi^ier seminaries are 
the University of Pennsylvania, and the Girard College 
founded upon a bequest of i^2,000,000 by the late Stephen 
Ciirard, both at Philadelphia; Dickinson College, at Car¬ 
lisle ; Jefferson College, at Canonsburg ; and several other 
institutions of a like character. General education is in a 
backward state, not more than one-third of the children 
being put to school. Public interest is now directed to 
this subject, and there are good common schools in Phila¬ 
delphia, Pittsburg, and other large towns. 



23. Philadelphia is, next to New York, the 
largest city in the Union, and in America; and is one of 
the first for its beauty, its useful institutions, and its various 
manufactures. It is finely situated between the Delaware 
and the Schuylkill, about six miles above their confluence. 
It is built of brick, and the streets cross each other at 
right angles. It has many beautiful buildings and public 
squares. Among the former we may mention the Custom 
House, the late Bank of the U. States, the Exchange, and the 
Mint. The Medical University is one of the first seminaries 
of the kind in the U. States. The charitable institutions are 
numerous, and some are liberally endoAved. The buildings 
of the Girard College for Orphans are among the finest 
edifices in the country. Fairmount Water-^vorks, four 



Fairmount fVater-icorks, 


miles from the city, form an object of interest, as well for 
21. Canals and Railroads ? 22. Education? 23. Philadelphia? 


the scenic beauty in their vicinity, as for their utility. 
They raise sufficient water from t^e Schuylkill to supply 
the whole city. 

24. Other Towns.— Pittslmrg, situated at the con¬ 
fluence of the Monongahela and Alleghany, which unite 
bglow and form the Ohio, is the center of an extensive 
trade, and is not only the seat of the principal manufac¬ 
tures in Pennsylvania, but one of the most considerable 
manufacturing towns in America. Harrisburg, the seat of 
government, is a handsome place, pleasantly situated on 
the Susquehanna. Lancaster is a beautiful town, situated . 
in a pleasant and highly-cultivated region, and carries on a 
large trade with the interior. Reading is an agreeable 
place, and has considerable trade and manufactures. 
Pottsville is a flourishing town, which owes its importance 
to the coal mines in its vicinity. Carlisle, York, Cham- 
bersburg, Germantown, Easton, and Bethlehem, are also 
towns of some importance. 

Pittances from Harrisburg:: 

Philadelphia. 98 I New York. 184 

Lancaster. 02 | Wsushington. 110 

Pittsburg. 184 Cincinnati. 5113 

Pottsville. 62 1 Boston. 598 

25. Iiihabifaiifs.—The inhabitants of this state are 

emigrants from various parts of Europe and their descend¬ 
ants. About one-half are of English origin; one-fourth 
German; one-eighth Irish; and the remainder Scotch, 
Welsh, Swedish, and Dutch. The English is the prevailing 
language, but German is also spoken in certain limited 
districts. Newspapers, almanacs, and some books, in the 
German language, are published in this state. 

26. History. — The territory of Pennsylvania was 
granted to William Penn in 1681, a celebrated Friend or 
Quaker, and in the autumn of the same year a body of 
Quakers came hither, and began a settlement where Phila¬ 
delphia now stands. The next year Penn came himself, 
with other settlers, and laid out the city on its present 
plan, calling it Philadelphia, that woid signifying brotherly 
love. Penn cultivated peace with the Indians, and conse¬ 
quently the people were secured from the Indian wars 
which harassed other colonies. Delaware, which originally 
formed part of the colony, was allowed a distinct legislature. 

27. The He volution.—Several important battles 
were fought in this state during the Revolution, and Phila¬ 
delphia was for a time in the hands of the British. Valley 
Forge, twenty miles northwest of Philadelphia, is remarka¬ 
ble as the place where Washington and his army had their 
winter-quarters during the most discouraging period of the 
contest. A terrible slaughter took place during the w'ar, in 
the beautiful Valley of Wyoming, near where the town of 
Wilkesbarre now stands. Several hundred of the people, 
men, women, and children, were slain by an irruption of 
Indians, headed by a chief named Brandt, and aided by 
some English soldiers. Campbell has made this the theme 
of one of his finest poems. The year 1794 was distin¬ 
guished by what is called the Whisky Rebellion, which oc¬ 
curred in the four western counties of Pennsylvania. It arose 
from opposition to the tax on spirits distilled in the U. States, 
laid by Congress in 1791. The insurrection at one time wore 
a threatening aspect; but Washington issued a proclamation, 
an army of ]o,000 militia marched against the insurgents, 
and the president himself Avent to Bedford Springs. 'J'hese 
measures Avere effectual; the malcontents yielded, and the 
whole, affair passed over Avith the loss of three lives. 

2^. Other towns ? 25. Inhabitants ? 25. History? 21. Revolution ? 





















































































STATE OF DELAWARE. 


61 


Extent of Delaware,2,130 sq. m—Pop. in ISaO, 91.535.—Population to square mile, 43.01. 


7!9 . 


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'Ih . 


3D 






M 


I JV 


Xi \ IlagKr^^^EmmctsburgV . ^ ^ 

* !N.’Wiw3So)r W CL 




J>IS7’IiICT Oi 
COL77MBIA 


i(|Oor‘JeD 





33 


MARYLAND andDELAWARE . 

Sc^e of ^Blcs 


10 



1 (l.i;bv<-. ^ 7^ 

, I \ A , Mtlford */ 

•ASirreGiOl».^Ef;y^'?!^./'!’'‘4iUiu: Aviiitelc 

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,•>_ _ lAr—i^ara. 

roYrn_ • ^rrinp<*ds 

mwj^.vAv. Ai\n< 


30 I 40 

7 8 Lcm.AV. iVom Creen'wicK 7! 






P9 


Exteut of Maryland, 9,156 sq. m.—Pop. in ISfO, 


-Population to square mile, 62.11. 


Lesson XXXV...State of Delaware. 

1. CJiaracleristics. —This is one of the, smallest 
states in the Union, both in population and extent. 

2. ITIousifaiias.— Delaivure is entirely destitute of 
mountains. 

3. Rivers.—These are all inconsiderable. The Bran¬ 
dywine, which rises in Pennsylvania, is a fine mill stream. 
At Wilmington it receives Christiana Creek from the west, 
and tlieir united waters form the harbor of Wilmington. 
Duck Creek, MispilUon Creek, and Indian River flow east 
into Delaware Bay. 

4 . Bay, Cape, and Breakwater. — Delaware Bay 
forms the northeastern boundary, but affords no good har¬ 
bors. Cape Henlopen is at the entrance of the bay, on the 
southwest side. A breakwater has been constructed here, 
within which vessels, navigating the bay, can take shelter, 
and ride out storms in safety. 

5. jTliiierals.—Bog iron ore is found in the south¬ 
western part of the state, but is not wrought to any extent. 

6. CIi.nafc and Soil.— The climate is not essentially 
different from that of New Jersey. Along the Delaware, 
and about ten miles in breadth, is a tract of rich soil, wliich 
produces large timber, and is well adapted to tillage. 
Most of the southern portion is sandy. 

7. Face of the Country* —East and west the land is 
low, but an elevated swampy tract runs north and south 
through the center. At the southern limit, this tract ter¬ 
minates in a vast wooded marsh, called Cypress Swamp. 

8. Bivisioiis.—Delaware is divided into three coun¬ 
ties—Newcastle in the north, Kent in the middle, and Sus- 


Exercises on the Map of Delaware .—Boundaries of Dela¬ 
ware? Extent? Population ? Population to the square mile? 
What bay lies to the east of Delaware ? Capital ? 

LESSON XXXV. 1 .. Characteristics of Delaware ? 2. Mount- 


mo. 

3.n79 

13,931 

3,111 


sex in the south. The counties are subdivided into Hun¬ 
dreds. There are a few slaves in this state. 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840, 

Kent.22,816.Dover.3,790 

Newcastle . 42 784.... pVilmiu§ton.8,367 

Sussex.23,935.Georgetown. 300 

9. Agriculture. —'Phe staple commodity is wheat, 
which is highly esteemed for the Avhiteness and softness of 
its flour. Maize, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, and pota¬ 
toes are raised. The county of Sussex contains some ex¬ 
cellent grazing land.” 

10. Commerce aia«l Manufactures. —The foreign 
commerce is inconsiderable. Flour of excellent quality, 
and timber from the swampy districts in the south, are the 
principal articles of export. The manufactures of flour, 
iron, cotton, wool, paper, powder, Ac., are extensive. 

11. Canal. —The Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, 
which leaves Delaware River forty-five miles below Phila¬ 
delphia, and communicates with Chesapeake Bay by the 
river Elk, is fourteen miles in length. Being adapted to 
sloop navigation, it is ten feet deep, and sixty-six feet wide. 
In this canal there is a deep cut of nearly four miles, 
seventy-six feet in width. 

12. Railroad. —The Newcastle and Frenchtown Rail¬ 
road is nearly parallel with the Delaware and C&esapeake 
Canal. It extends from Newcastle, on the Delaware, to 
FrenchtoAvn, in Maryland—sixteen and a half miles. 

13. Education. —The state has a school-fund, but 
little has been done toward an efficient system of general 
education. 

14. Cliief Towns. — Wilminyton, the principal town 
in the state, has been incorporated as a city. It is pleas- 

ains? 3. Rivers? 4. Bay, cape, (kc.? 5. Minerals? 6. Climate 

and soil? 1. Face of the country ? Q. Divisions? S. Agriculture ? 
10. Commerce and manufactures? 11. Canal? 12. Railroad? 
13. Education ? 14. Chief fow7is ? 15. History ? 


























































62 


STATE OF MARYLAND. 


antly situated near the junction of the Brandywine and 
Cliristiana, and is Avell laid out. The Brandywine flour¬ 
mills are the most extensive in the United States, except 
those of Rochester. Within ten miles of Wilmington, there 
are about 100 mills and manufactories, in which flour, cot¬ 
ton and woolen goods, iron castings, paper, and powder are 
produced. The trade of the place is extensive and flour¬ 
ishing. The capital of the state, Dover, is a small but 
reguiarly-built town, containing the state-house and county 
buildings. Newcastle, at the termination of the railroad, 
and Delaware City, at the mouth of the Delaware and 
Chesapeake Canal, are small villages. 

15. History.— This part of the country was first set¬ 
tled by Swedes and Finns, in 1627, and was called New 
Swedeland. The Dutch, however, afterward annexed it 
to their colony of New Netherlands, and with that it passed 
into the hands of the English, in 1664. In 1682, the Duke 
of York granted it to Penn, and it continued to form a part 
of Pennsylvania till 1776, though from 1701 with a distinct 
legislative assembly. It was generally styled, till the period 
of the Revolution, the Three Lower Counties upon Delaware. 



Vitw of Baltimore. 

Lesson XXXVI...State of Maryland. 

1. Cliaraeforistics. —This state is distinguished for 
its fine climate, its navigable bays, and its advantages for 
commerce. 

2. Boiiudary—ITlason and Dixon’s L.inc. —The 

boundary line between Pennsylvania and Maryland was 
fixed by actual survey in 1762, by two surveyors, of the 
names of Mason and Dixon, whence it is often called Mason 
and Dixon's Line. 

3. IfloHiitains.—The western part of Maryland is trav¬ 
ersed by several of the Appalachian ridges, which extend 
but a short distance in this state, and are particularly de¬ 
scribed under the heads of Pennsylvania and Virginia. 

4. KiVers. —The Potomax forms the southern boun¬ 
dary, and the Susquehanna empties itself into the Chesa¬ 
peake in this state. The Patapsco is a small river, navi¬ 
gable to Baltimore. The Patuxent has a course of 100 
miles, and is navigable for large vessels to Nottingham— 
fifty miles. The Nanticoke and Choptank flow into the 
Chesapeake on the eastern shore. 

Hxercises on the Map of Maryland {see page 61). — Boun¬ 
daries of M.? Extent? Population? Population to the square mile? 
What great bay in this state? What mountains across the ‘western 
part? What river separates Maryland from Virginia? Describe 
the Patuxent River. Where does the Susquehanna empty ? Capi¬ 
tal ? Direction of the principal towns from Annapolis ? 


5. Bay» Harbors, &c. — The northern half of Chesa¬ 
peake Bay lies in this state, and contains many fine har¬ 
bors. Its eastern shore is checkered with islands. Amonir 
these are Kent Island, opposite Annapolis, twelve miles 
long. Along the sea-coast are narrow, low islands, and 
shallow sounds. 

6. Climate.— The western portion of Maryland, rising to 
the hight of 2000 feet above the sea, forms part of the 
elevated tableland extending into Pennsylvania and Vir¬ 
ginia, and has, therefore, the climate of the more northern 
states. The low country, on the other hand, has milder win¬ 
ters. and hot, moist, and unhealthy summers. In the region 
of Baltimore, the climate is the finest in the United States. 

7. Soil—Products — Hincrals. —There is much 
good soil in every part of the state. The limestone tracts in 
the western section are productive in fruits and grain. Bitu¬ 
minous coal is abundant in this region. The eastern part is 
of alluvial formation, composed of clay, gravel, sand, shells, 
and decayed vegetable substances. On the low sandy 
plains cotton is raised. Iron ore is abundant in most of 
the counties west of the Chesapeake, and is extensively 
wrought. 

8. Face of tlic Coimtry. —In the counties of the 
Eastern Shore the land is low and level, and in many places 
covered with stagnant waters. On the Western Shore, the 
land is also level up to the falls of the rivers. Above these 
it becomes hilly, and in the western part is mountainous. 

9. Diiisioiis. —Maryland is divided into counties, 
twelve of which are on the west of the Chesapeake, and the 
rest east of it, as follows : 


WESTERN SHORE. 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 

Alleghany. shJ,769.Oiiinberliuid. . 

Anne Arundel. 3t!,39:<..Annapolis. 5i,792 

Baltimore.210,640.Baltimore.102,313 

Calvert. 9,640.Prince Frederick .... - 

Carroll. 20,616.Westminster - 

Charles. 16,162.Port Tobacco. . 

Frederick.40,967.Frederick. 5,lft2 

Harford. 19,356.Bel-Air. . 

Montgomery. 15,860.Rockville. . 

Prince George’s. 21,550.Upper Marlborough.. - 

St. Mary’s. 13,698.1.eonardtown. . 

Washington. 30,848.Hagerstown. 3,750 

EASTERN SHORE. 

Caroline,.. 9,092.Denton. . 

Cecil. 18,939.Elktou. . 

Doichester. 18,877.Cambridge • •. . . 

Kent. 11,386.Chestertown. . 

Queen Anne’s. 14,484.Centreville. . 

Somerset. 2-2,456.Princess Anne. . 

Talbot. 13,811.Easton. . 

Worcester. 18,859.Suowbill. . 


1850. 

6.077 

3,011 

109,054 

835 

6,028 


3,88-1 


1,128 


1,413 


10. Agriciilture. —Wheat and tobacco are the staple 
productions, but the former is much the most valuable. 
Some cotton of inferior quality is raised, and, in the western 
counties, considerable quantities of flax and hemp. Agri¬ 
culture, in general, is in a low state. 

11. Maimfactiires.— Mtiryhind is one of the principal 
manufacturinfr states in the Union. There are manufac- 
lories of cotton, glass, and paper, with woolen and grist 
mills, and copper and iron-rolling mills, in diflerent parts of 
the state. 

12. Coiiimei’ce.—The Chesapeake and its rivers afford 
a ready medium for the exportation of all the productions 

LESSON XXXVI. 1. Characteristics of Maryland? 2. Bmm 
dary between Pennsylvania and Maryla'nd? 3. Mountains? 
^.Rivers? 5. Bays and harbors ? S. Climate? 7 . Soil and prod¬ 
ucts? Q. Face of the country? 9. Divisions? 10. Agricidturc? 
11. Manufactures? 12. Commerce? 13. Canals? 14. Rail ■ 
roads? 15. Education? 16. Towns? 17. Distances from Bat 




























































































STATE OF MARYLAND. 


63 


of the state, no part of which lies beyond the reach of an 
advantageous market. Flour and tobacco are the principal 
articles of export. 

13. Canals*—There are several of these, of which Port 
Deposit (7a?4CfZ, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, are the 
principal. 

14. Itaili'oads.—These consist of the Baltimore and 

Ohio, Baltimore and Susquehanna, and the Baltimore and 
Washington, with several branches. r 

1,5. £<liicalion.—The principal seminaries are the 
Unirersitij of Maryland and St. Mary's College, in Balti¬ 
more; St. John's College, in Annapolis; and Mount St. 
Marxf s, at Emmetsburg. There are also several academies 
in the state, and there is a school-fund, the proceeds of which 
are to be distributed among such school districts as shall 
erect school-houses. Little has, however, been done toward 
carrying a system of elementary education into operation. 



16. Chief Towns.— Baltimore, the third city in the 
Llnited States, in point of population, lies upon a bay which 
sets up from the Patapsco, and affords a spacious and com¬ 
modious harbor. The strait between the bay and river is 
defended by Fort McHenry. Vessels of 600 tons can 
come up to Fell’s Point, which is divided from the upper 
part of the city by a narrow stream. Baltimore possesses 
the trade of Maryland, and of a great part of Western 
Pennsylvania and the Western States, and is the great 
commercial mart for Chesapeake Bay. The city is regu¬ 
larly laid out, and well built. The Catholic Cathedral is a 
large and handsome building, and contains some fine paint¬ 
ings. The Washington Monument is 163 feet high, with a 
colossal statue of Washinfyton on the summit. The Battle 
Monument commemorates the defeat of the British, m their 
attack on the city, in September, 1814. It is fifty-five feet 
high. Both of these monuments are of white marble. 
There are also four handsome public fountains, which fur¬ 
nish a copious supply of pure water. Baltimore is one of 
the greatest flour markets in the world. In its immediate 
neighborhood there are extensive flour-mills. Manufactures 
of woolen and cotton, paper, powder, iron, alum, &c., are 
also carried on. Annapolis, on the western shore of the 
Chesapeake, below Baltimore, is the seat of government. 

thnore? 18. AnnoJsi By whom was Maryland first settled? 

19. Revolution? 20. TFaro/'1812? 


Pop. ill 1840. 

Baltimore.10‘i,313 

Frederick. 5,18*2 

Hagerstown. 7,197 

17. 


Pop. in IMO. IS.'iO. 

AnTinjiolLs .2,79*2 3,011 

Cumberland... 6,0.7 


The city is pleasantly situated on the Severn, and is regu* 
larly laid out. It contains the capitol and a United States 
naval academy. Frederick, the second city in Maryland, in 
wealth and population, lies in a pleasant and well-cultivated 
coubtry, on the great,western road from Baltimore. It lias 
considerable trade witli tlie back country, and is rapidly in¬ 
creasing. There is a branch road from the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad to Frederick. Hagerstown, in the northern 
part of the state, is a well-built and thriving town. The 
neighborhood is fertile and well cultivated. 

1850. 

169.054 
6,098 
3,884 

ii’om SSaliimol’c: 

Miles. I j 

Dover. 6(1 ] PliiUKlelpllia. !t7 

Annapolis. as WaaliingtLn. 40 

New York.183 I j 

18. History—Annals.—Mary hand was first settled 
by Catholics. That sect being persecuted in England, 
Lord Baltimore, one of its members, formed a plan to re¬ 
move to America. He visited and explored the country, 
and returned to England, where he died while making prep¬ 
arations for the emigration. His son obtained the grant 
of the territory designed for his father, and gave it the name 
of Maryland, in honor of Henrietta Maria, queen of Charles 
I. He appointed his brother, Leonard Calvert, governor of 
the colony, who set sail in 1633, with 200 settlers, princi¬ 
pally Catholics. They purchased land of the Indians, and 
formed a settlement at St. Mary’s, on the Potomac. The 
colony was increased by refugees from Virginia, and the 
other neighboring territories, who were attracted by the 
toleration here given to all religions, and it began to flour¬ 
ish, but was soon disturbed by Indian wars and rebellions. 
The Catholics were tolerant to other sects, but soon found 
themselves outnumbered, and became subject to the perse¬ 
cution which they had fled from at home. These troubles, 
however, were allayed at the restoration of Charles 11., in 
1660. At the revolution of 1688, the charter of the colony 
was set aside, and the government assumed by the crown ; 
but in 1716, the proprietor was restored to his rights. 

19. Kevolutioii.—At the beginnino- of the American 
Revolution, the authority fell into the hands of the people. 
The existinar constitution was formed in 1776. 

20. War of 1813. —During the war, a series of inter¬ 
esting events took place in Baltimore and the vicinity. On 
the 19th August, 1814, the British general, Ross, with 
5000 men, sailed up the Patuxent, and marched to Wash¬ 
ington, through Bladensburg. They" burned the capitol, 
the president’s house, the public library", with many valu¬ 
able documents ; at the same time destroying a good deal 
of private property". Another portion of the army pro¬ 
ceeded to Alexandria, who forced the inhabitants to save 
their town from destruction by the surrender of all their 
shipping and merchandise. After this and other similar 
proceedings, the enemy landed at North Point, September 
12, fourteen miles from Baltimore, and marched toward the 
city. They were met by the militia, and Gen. Ross was 
killed in a skirmish. A battle was soon fought, after which 
the Americans retired to their works. The British fleet, 
meanwhile, made an unsuccessful attack on Fort McHenry".* 
Apparently discouraged by their ill success, and the threat¬ 
ening aspect of the reception they were to meet, they with¬ 
drew on the 14th, and at night embarked and sailed away" 

* This attack gave rise to the national song of the “ Star-spangled 
1 Banner.” 



































Lesson XXXVII... District of Columbia. 

1. Situation and Extent.— This District formerly 
consisted of a territory of ten miles square, under the im¬ 
mediate <>'overnment of Conerress. It was situated on both 

C> “ 

sides of the Potomac, 210 miles from its mouth, between 
Maryland and Virginia, by which states it was ceded to the 
general government in lYOO, It was divided into two 
counties, Washington and Alexandria, and contained three 
cities, Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. But in 
1846, tlie portion south of the Potomac, containing Alex¬ 
andria county, was receded to Virginia. The Capitol in 
Wasliington is in lat. 38° 53'' N., and Ion. 77° 2' W. In 
American works it is often used as a first meridian. 

2. Surface, Soil, &c.— The surface of the District 
is undulating, and the soil unproductive. The situation is 
favorable for commerce, ships of any size being able to 
come up to Alexandria, and large vessels up to the Navy 
Yard, in Washington. 

3. Wasliiiigrtoii. —This city became the seat of gov¬ 
ernment of the United States in 1800. It is pleasantly 
situated on the left or north bank of the Potomac, and on 
the right of the Eastern Branch, 295 miles from the ocean 
by the course of the river. The city is regularly laid out, 
but only a small portion of the ground embraced wthin 
the plan has yet been built upon. The principal avenues 
and streets are from 120 to 160 feet wide ; the others are 
from 70 to 110 feet. Washington is the residence of the 
President, and other chief executive officers of the federal 
government; the Congress meets here annually, on the 


first Monday in December, and tlie Suprenu* Cdurt of the 
United States also holds an annual se.ssion here. The 
Extent, UO square miles. 



Population 1850-51,687. Population to the square mile, 8G1.45. 


principal public buildings are the Capitol, tlie President’s 
House, the four offices of the Executive Departments, in 


LESSON XXXVII. 1. Where is the District of Columbia ? 


{See Map, p. 60.) Situation and extent ? Its history ? 2. Sur' 



















































































DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 


65 



its vicinity, the General Post Office, and the Patent Office. 
On the river below the city is a Navy Yard. The Cap¬ 
itol is a large and handsome structure, of the Corinth¬ 
ian order, and built of freestone. In the north wing is 
the Senate chamber, beneath which is the hall of the 
Supreme Court. In the south wing is the Representa¬ 
tives’ hall, a semicircle ninety-five feet in length by sixty in 
hight, the dome of which is supported by twenty-six col¬ 
umns and pilasters of Potomac marble or breccia. In the 
east square of the Capitol is Greenough’s colossal marble 
statue of Washington. The President’s house is two stories 
high, with a lofty basement, and 180 feet front, ornamented 
with an Ionic portico. The grounds around are extremely 
beautiful. Tlie Washington Monument, now in progress, 
is to consist of an obelisk, rising from the center of a vast 
circular colonnade, 250 feet in diameter and 100 feet high. 
The whole will be 600 feet high—the loftiest monolith in 
the world. The Smithsonian Institution owes its existence 
to James Smithson, of England, who died in 1835, and 
left to the United States half a million of dollars, “to 
found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian 
Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of 
knowledge among men.” In April, 1846, Congress created 
a law establishing this Institute, making the president and 
principal officers of the government the corporation. The 
building is in the Norman style of architecture, and is an 
imposing edifice. Its whole length is 450 feet, by 140. 

4. Oeorgetowii may be considered a suburb, or part 
of the metropolis, being separated only by a narrow creek. 
It is about three miles west of the Capitol, and is pleas¬ 


antly situated. The Catholic monastery occupies a de¬ 
lightful situation, upon an eminence overlooking the town. 
Georgetown has considerable commerce; but the navigation 
of the river is obstructed by a bar just below the town. 

5. Education. — Columbia College, in Washington, 
was founded in 1821, and is under the direction of the 
Baptists. The College of Georgetown is under the direc¬ 
tion of the Catholic clergy of Maryland. There are four 
public schools in Washington, and many other seminaries. 
Public attention appears to be strongly directed to the 
subject of education, in the District, 

6. History.— The District of Columbia was ceded by 
Maryland and Virginia to the United States in 1790, and 
it became the capital of the Union in 1800, by virtue of a 
clause in the Constitution. Tlie city was sacked by the 
British in August, 1814, as already related. The Vir¬ 
ginia portion was receded to that state in 1846. It appears 
to be an historical fact that as early as 1663, the site of 
Washington had attracted attention, and here a town was 
then laid out, called Rome. A gentleman by the name 
of Pope was the proprietor, and the river called Tiber 
ran through his territory. This stream flows at the foot 
of the hill on which the Capitol stands, as the ancient 
Tiber flowed at the foot of the Capitoline Hill of Rome. 
,On the site of the Capitol, the Indian tribes anciently 
assembled in council. Here they regulated their wild 
government, made treaties, and declared war. These inci¬ 
dents appear to throw a kind of romance about the city of 
Washington, added to the wonderful beauty of the scenes 
presented from the Capitol, and other elevated positions. 


face and soil! 


3. Washington! 4. Georgetown! 

9 


5 Educa¬ 


tion ! 


6. History! 


What occurred in 1814 ? 


In 1663 I 
























































































































66 


THE SOUTHERN STATES. 


























































































































THE SOUTHERN STATES. 


67 





Cotton, Tobacco, and Sugar, 


Lesson XXXVJIL.. The Southern States. 


1 . Characteristics.— These occupy the southern por¬ 
tion of the United States, and have been thus character¬ 
ized : 

“ Here, in a sunny clime, ’mid breezes bland. 

Bright flowers unfold, and luscious fruits expand. 

No wintry blast to chill, the magnoha blows, 

Tlie sweet fig ripens, and the orange glows. 

Mixed with the sand, or deep in mountain vein, 

The heedful miners golden ores obtain; 

WTiile richer stores prolific spring to birth, 

Almost unbidden, from the teeming earth. 

Cotton, tobacco, sugar, rice, repay. 

In this soft chme, the planter’s culturing sway.” 


2, Mountains. —The southern portion of the Appa¬ 
lachian chain extends, in various ranges, from Virginia to 
Alabama, where it terminates. 


.3, Rivers.—Most of these are sluggish, flow through 
a level country, and have their mouths barred with sand. 
They all run easterly into the Atlantic, or southerly into 
the Gulf of Mexico, excepting a few which fall into the 
Mississippi. East of that river, they have their sources in 
the Appalachian mountains. In Texas, they rise in the 
northern highlands of that state, and of New Mexico. 
The Mississippi enters the sea in the Southern States, but 
the greater part of its course is in the Western States. 


Jlircrs. 


Length in miles. 


James. 500 

Roanoke. 500 

Cape Fear.2^ 

Neuse. 300 

Great Pedee. 450 

Santee. 180 


Rivers. 

Savannah ... 
Alatamaha .. 
Chatahooche 
Alabama.... 

Pearl. 

Yazoo. 


Lengflh in miles, 

. 600 

..500 

. 300 

. 500 

. 250 

.250 


4. Bays, Sounds, &c.— Chesapeake Bay is the deep¬ 
est and most convenient for navigation in the country. 
Pamlico Sound is a shallow bay on the coast of North 
Carolina. From this, the coast presents an even line to 


the Gulf of Mexico. Here are several small bays, that of 
Mobile being the largest of those that are navigable. The 
lagoons of Louisiana are shallow and little available for the 
purposes of navigation. 

5. Shores and Capes. —Every part of the coast is 
low and flat. The capes of North Carolina, Hatteras, 
Lookout, and Fear, are dangerous to navigators, being 
beset with shoals. The peninsula of Florida may be con¬ 
sidered as an immense cape. The Mississippi has formed, 
at its mouth, by the mud brought down in its waters, a 
cape forty miles in extent, the extreme point of which is 
called the Balize. 

6. Natural Products. —Here nature exhibits great 
luxuriance and variety. The yellow pine, producing tar, 
pitch, and turpentine, and valuable timber; the live oak, 
the gloomy cypress, the graceful palmetto, the aromatic 
bay tree, are indigenous to this region. Tobacco, rice, and 
cotton are the staples of agriculture. Oranges, lemons, 
and figs are among the fruits. 

7. Minerals. —Gold is found in the mountainous re¬ 
gions from Virginia to Alabama. Copper and iron are 
found in Georgia. 

8. Animals. —Alligators are met with in the rivers; 
the rattlesnake and moccasin are common. Humming- 
birds, paroquets, the turkey-buzzard, a species of small 
vulture, are among the peculiar animals. Deer, wild tur¬ 
keys, grouse, and water-fowl abound in some parts. 

9. Climate. —In the low and flat country, which ex¬ 
tends from the sea two or three hundred miles inland, the 
climate is hot and moist. In the elevated regions it is 
more temperate. 

10. Soil. —Some of the richest soils in our country are 
in the Southern States. The woodlands are alluvial, but 
there are extensive tracts of sandy, barren land. 

11. Face of tkc Country. —The Southern States 
consist of a broad slope of generally level land, extending 
inland from the sea, including a portion of more elevated 
country in the interior. 

12. Divisions. —The Southern States are as follows : 

Virginia, Florida, Mississippi, 

North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, 

South Carolina, Alabama, Texas. 

13. Agriculture. —The main products of agrisulture 
are cotton, rice, and tobacco. The owner of a farm, called 
a planter, does not labor himself, but oversees the laborers, 
directs operations, and manages pecuniary matters. The 
charge of the slaves on the large estates is generally 
committed to overseers. 

14. Commerce. —This has been generally given up 
to the northern states, but it is securing more attention 
from the people of the South. 

15. Manufactures. —These are becoming more com¬ 
mon, and very considerable establishments are now in suc¬ 
cessful operation. 

16. Inhabitants. —The population is chiefly of En¬ 
glish descent, though it is mixed in some places. In 
Louisiana there are many descendants of the French, and 
of the Spanish in Florida. There are many Germans and 
some Irish in Texas. The Indians, recently numerous, are 
nearly all removed to the Indian territory. The negroes. 


Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of the Southern States ? 
Extent? Population? Population to the square mile? Where 
are the Cumberland Mountains? The Alleghany Mountains? 

Where is the Blue Ridge ? In what state do these moutitains ter¬ 
minate at the south ? "Describe the principal rivers. What great 
peninsula at the southeastern extremity of the Southern States ? | 


Where is Savannah Bay? Apalachee Bay? Pensacola Bay? 
Galveston Bay ? 

LESSON XXXVIII. 1. Characteristics of the Sofuthern 
States? 2. Mountains ? 3. Rivers? 4. Bays? 5. Shores 

and Capes? 6. Natural products? 7. Minerals? 8. Animals? 
9. Climate ? ' 10. Soil ? 11. Face of the Country ? 12. Divis- 






























STATE OF VIRGINIA. 


68 

who form two-fifths of the population, are a separate caste, 
and mostly held in slavery. 

17. Slaves. —These are, in general, humanely treated. 
Some laws relating to them are severe, but many of these 
are not enforced. Marriages are rarely any thing more 
than connections subsisting during pleasure. Their amuse¬ 
ments are few—chiefly music and dancing. Slavery is 
hereditary; the servitude of the mother determining that 
of the child. A slave cannot make contracts, hold prop¬ 
erty, commence a suit, or testify against a white. Harsh 
treatment of a slave on the part of an owner is generally 
deemed an offence against good manners as well as morality. 

18. Food. —Rice is much used. Hominy—a prepara¬ 
tion of maize, coarsely broken and boiled—yams, sweet 
potatoes, and the tomato, are favorite vegetables. The 
Irish potato is little raised. Bacon is the principal meat. 
Whisk}’ is the most common spirituous drink. 

19. Manners and Cnstoins. —Agriculture is the 
chief employment, the farms being large, and having the 
name of plantations. There are few villages, or towns— 
the people living in a scattered manner over the country. 
Hospitality and generosity are among the favorable traits 
of the Southern character. 

20. Diseases. —Bilious and intermittent fevers are com¬ 
mon in the low countries in summer, from Virginia to Texas. 

•21. Fdiication. —Education has received little atten¬ 
tion in the Southern States. The children of the higher 


Lesson XXXIX.., 

Stale of Virginia. 

1 . Cliaracteris- 
fics. — Virginia is a 
large and populous 
state, noted as being 
the first of the English 
settlements in the limits 
of the United States, 
and hence often called 
the Old Dominion. 

2. Mountains.— 

Virginia is traversed by 
the several Appalachi¬ 
an chains, which have 
been already described 
as stretching through 
Pennsylvania. \. South¬ 
east Mountain, broken 
by the Potomac at the 
conical peak called the 
Sugar Loaf, enters Vir¬ 
ginia in Loudon county, 
and leaves it in Henry 
county, at a distance of 
from fifteen to twenty 
miles eastward of the 
Blue Ridge. 2. The Blue Ridge is broken by the Po¬ 
tomac, at Harper’s Ferry, and traverses the state in a line 
of about 260 miles, separating it into the two great divi- 

ions? 1.3. Agriculture? 14. Commerce? 15. Manufactures? 
16. Inhabitants? 17. Slaves? 18. Food? 19. Manners and 
Customs? 20. Diseases? 21.. Education ? 22. Towns? 23. An¬ 
nals? 24. Revolution? 

Exercises on the Map of Virginia .—Extent of Virginia? 


classes are chiefly sent to the North for instruction. The 
scattered state of population renders a system of common 
schools difficult, and the poorer classes of whites have few 
advantages of education. Instructing the slaves is forbid- 
den by law, though public opinion, in certain places, toler¬ 
ates its violation to some extent. 

22. The chief towns are as follows . 


Names. 

Pop. in 
td50. 

Dist. from 
W’hin^ion. 

Names. 

Pop. in 
1850. 

Dis*. from 
W’hing’lon. 

Richmond, Va. 

Norfolk, “ . 

Raleigh, N. C. 

Wilmington, “ .... 
Charleston, S. C. ... 
Columbia, “ 

Savannah, Ga. 

Milledgeville, “ .... 

27,481! 

14,320 

3.091 

11,218 

42,9a7 

0.059 

16,000 

3,112 

117 miles. 
230 “ 

288 “ 

305 « 

540 « 

506 “ 

062 « 

648 “ 

Augusta, Ga . 

Tallahassee, Flor... . 

Tuscaloosa, Ala. 

Mobile, “ .... 

Jackson, Miss. 

Natchez, . 

New Orleans, La.. . . 

9,157 

1,979 

3,026 

20,513 

2,981 

5,239 

119,461 

.575 miles 
896 “ 

818 “ 
1013 “ 

1010 “ 
1110 “ 
1172 “ 


23. History—Annals.— The states from Virginia to 
Florida, were English colonies ; Florida was obtained from 
Spain in 1820. Alabama was originally part of Georgia. 
Mississippi at first belonged to French Louisiana ; after¬ 
ward it came to Great Britain, then to Spain, and in 1798, 
to the United States. Louisiana was purchased of the 
French in 1803 ; and Texas, formerly a province of Mex¬ 
ico, was annexed to the United States in 1845. 

24. Revolution.— Some of the most stirring events of 
the Revolutionary war occurred in Virginia and the Carolinas. 
The details of these will be found under the separate states. 


sions of Eastern and Western Virginia. The Peaks of Otter, 
in this chain, are the highest summits of the Appalachian 
system, southwest of the Delaware, rising to a hight of 

Population? Population to the square mile? Boundaries? Tr^ 
%ehich direction do the Alleghany Mountains cross this state ? Blue 
Ridge ? What great bay lies partly in Virginia ? Describe the 
principal rivers. I 

LESSON XXXIX. 1. Characteristics of Virginia ? 2. Mov.n- \ 


Extent, 61,152 square miles. 


Sleuhtnr 



Population in 1850,1,421,661.—Population 




S' 




































































STATE OF VIRGINIA. 


4260 feet above the sea. 3. The Kittatinny Chain enters 
the state about twenty miles further west, under the name 
of the North Mountain, and forming the center of the great 
plateau or table-land of Virginia, leaves the state under the 
name of the Iron Mountains. 4. The Alleghany Chain 
forms the western wall of the Virginia table-land, running 
parallel to the Blue Ridge, at a mean distance of about 
forty-three miles. Westward of this chain there is a gradual 
slope to the bed of tlie Ohio, but several other chains tra¬ 
verse this section, the principal of which are (5) the Chest¬ 
nut Ridge, and (6) the Laurel Mountains, which, in the 
southwestern part of the state, are known under the name 
of the Cumberland Mountains. 

3. Kivei’s. —The Poiomac forms a part of the northern 
boundary of the state. Its sources are in the western chain 
of the Appalachian Mountains, not far from the headwaters 
of the Monongahela. After receiving the Shejiandoah, 
which has a course of 150 miles through the great central 
valley, the Potomac breaks through the Blue Ridge at 
Harper’s Ferry, and, taking a southeasterly direction, meets 
the tide at Georgetown. Below this point it expands to a 
wide estuary, which is navigable for 74-gun ships to Wash¬ 
ington, 210 miles from Chesapeake Bay. The winding 
course of its channel renders the navigation tedious, but it 
is not dangerous. James River rises among the mountains, 
and flows southeast into Chesapeake Bay. It is more than 
500 miles long, and is navigable by sloops 150 miles, and 
by boats 230 miles further. The Rappahannock rises in 
the Blue Ridge, and runs into the Chesapeake, after a 
course of 170 miles. The tide ascends to Fredericksburg, 
110 miles, to which point the river is navigable for vessels 
of 140 tons. The York is another confluent of the Chesa¬ 
peake, and, Hke the last-described rivers, opens into a broad 
bay in the lower part of its course. The head Avaters of 
the Roanoke are in this state. Passing to the west of the 
Blue Ridge, we find the Great Kanawha, whose most re¬ 
mote sources are between that chain and the Alleghany 
ridge, in North Carolina. It flows into the Ohio after a 
northwesterly course of 300 miles. 

4. Bays and Harbors. —The outer half of Chesa¬ 
peake Bay lies in this state, and by its depth and extent, 
and the numerous fine rivers Avhich it receives, is of the 
highest use for navigation. Norfolk has a good harbor, 
in the southern part of the bay, near the mouth of the 
James, which here forms a spacious haven, called Hampton 
Roads. 

5. Shores and Capes. —The shores are low and flat. 
A peninsula about sixty miles long, and from ten to fifteen 
wide, lies on the eastern side of the Chesapeake, and is bor¬ 
dered toAvard the sea by a string of Ioav, sandy islets. The 
waters of the Chesapeake enter the sea between Cape 
Charles and Cape Henry, forming a strait fifteen miles in 
width. 

6. Natural Curiosities. —The Passageofthe Potomac 
through the Blue Ridge is highly picturesque. The im¬ 
petuous torrent beloAV is dashed from rock to rock, while the 

walls of the chasm through Avhich it seems to have burst 

• • • P . « 

its Avay, rise m lofty precipices aboA'e, constituting a scene of 

much grandeur. The Rock, or Natural Bridge, in Rock¬ 
bridge county, is not less sublime. It is a natural arch of 
rock, sixty feet Avide, extending OA^er a chasm ninety feet 
broad, and 250 feet high, through Avhich floAvs a small 
stream, called Cedar Creek, a tributary of the river James. 





Natural Bridge. 


69 

In Augusta county, there is a 
cavern of great beauty and 
extent, called Weyer's Cave, 
which, for the distance of 
a mile, presents a series ot 
lofty and spacious apartments, 
incrusted Avith crystals, and 
glittering with the most beau¬ 
tiful stalactites. The largest 
room, called Washington’s 
Hall, is 270 feet in length, 
and fifty in hight. There are 
several other beautiful and 
extensive caverns in the lime¬ 
stone region, of which Madi¬ 
son s Cave, in Rockingham 


county, extending 300 feet into 
the earth, and adorned Avith beautiful stalactites, is the most 
remarkable. There is a lake in Giles county, presenting 
the singular spectacle of a body of Avater, a mile and a half 
in circumference, and one hundred fathoms deep, on the 
summit of a mountain 3700 feet high. Within the memory 
of the oldest inhabitants, the bed of this lake was a marshy 
spot, in the centre of Avhich a small pond gradually formed. 
A stream, which had its source in the mountain, having 
ceased to floAV, the lake suddenly rose, and, covering the 
highest trees, ascended to the top of the mountain, Avhere 
it overfloAVS at a single point. Its Avaters are pure and 
potable, and abound in lizards, but have no fish. 

7. Mineral Waters.— The sulphurous springs of 
Virginia have long been celebrated for their efficacy in cu¬ 
taneous disorders, asthmatic affections, &c. The White 
Sulphur Springs are in Greenbriar county; the Salt Sul¬ 
phur and Red Sulp)hur Sp>rings in Monroe county. The 
latter has also much celebrity in cases of pulmonary affec¬ 
tions. The Sweet Springs in Botetourt county are carbonated 
AA^aters, and are valuable as a tonic. At Bath, in Berkeley 
county, there is a Chalybeate Spring / and' in Bath county 
are thermal Avaters, knoAvn by the name of the Warm and 
the Hot Springs, which are efficacious in rheumatic and 
cutaneous cases. The former haA^e a temperature of 96° ; 
the latter of 112°. 

8. Vegetable Products. —In passing from Norfolk 
to the Ohio, almost all the natiA'e trees, shrubs, and plants 
of the United States will be found, and the cultivated pro¬ 
ductions of the northern and southern states are seen to 
meet in this. Ginseng and snake-root are among the valu¬ 
able medicinal- plants. Sugar-maple is found Avest of the 
Alleghanies. Tobacco and wheat are the great staples of 
agriculture. 

9. Native Animals. —The common deer, which has 
obtained the title of the Virginia deer, is still found in the 
wooded districts of this state. The opossum abounds. 
Grouse, quails, turkey-buzzards, and mocking-birds are among 
the feathered tribes. The wild turkey is also met Avith. 

10. Minerals.— In the Avestern section of the state, 
limestone and gypsum occur. Iron ore, of the best quality, 
is extensively distributed, and A^aluable lead mines are 
Avorked in Wythe county. Bituminous coal is also found 
Avest of the mountains, and the Salt Springs of the Great 
KanaAvha and the Holston are remarkable for the strength 
of their brine. The limestone caves furnish large quantities 
of nitre or saltpetre. In the eastern part of the state lime- 


tainsf 3. Rivers? Bays and harbors? 5 . Shores and capes? \ 6 . Natural airiosities? 1. Mineral waters? Q. Vegetable pro- 
























YO 


STATE OF VIRGINIA. 


stone is found, which yields, at various places between the 
Potomac and Janies rivers, an excellent marble. Iron ore, 
black lead, copper ore, and gold are also found in this region. 
The bed in which the last-mentioned metal occurs extends 
from near Fredericksburg, in a southwest direction, through 
this and the adjoining states to the south. 

11. Climate. —The extent of this state, and the varie¬ 
ties of its surface, produce a great diversity of climate. In 
the Atlantic country, east of the mountains, the heats of 
summer are long and oppressive, the spring is short and 
variable, and the winters extremely mild, the snow seldom 
lying more than a day after it has fallen. Droughts in 
summer and autumn are frequent. The people have sallow 
complexions, from the heats of summer, and bilious diseases 
in autumn. In the mountains, the air is cool and salubrious, 
and the inhabitants are tall and muscular, with robust forms 
and healthy countenances. Fires are here used during five 
months of the year. The heat of summer during the day 
is considerable, but the nights are always cool. On the 
western side of the mountains, the climate is colder by some 
degrees than in the same parallel of latitude on the coast. 
The valley of the Ohio is exceedingly hot in summer, while 
in winter the river is frozen so as sometimes to be passable 
on the ice for two months together. The autumn is dry, 
temperate, and healthy. 

12. Soil. —There are four distinct divisions under which 
we may regard the surface of this state. 1. From the Atlan¬ 
tic coast to the head of tidewater, on the rivers, the country 
is low, flat, and marshy, or sandy. This meager soil is 
covered with pines and cedars ; but the banks of the rivers 
are loamy and rich, and the vegetation in those parts luxu¬ 
riant. This territory is alluvial, and exhibits marine shells 
and bones beneath the surface. 2. From the head of tide¬ 
water to the Blue Ridge, the land begins to rise, and be¬ 
comes stony and broken. The soil is much superior to the 
loAvland country. 3. In the valley between the Blue Ridge 
and the Alleghany, we come to a limestone countiy. Here 
the soil lies upon a bed of that rock, and is very fertile, 
particularly in gi-ain and clover. In some parts, the soil is 
chalky. 4. The western part of the state, or that part which 
lies between the mountains and the Ohio, has a broken sur¬ 
face, with some fertile tracts ; but the soil is generally barren. 

13. Face of tSie Country. —There is little of the 
surface actually level, except the Eastern Shore of the 
Chesapeake, and along the mouths of the rivers. West of the 
bay, the country gradually rises into hill and dale. The 
central part is a high table-land, rising in some parts into 
lofty and picturesque summits, and comprising beautiful 
and fertile valleys. Westward of the Alleghanies, the sur¬ 
face is mountainous and broken, and a large part of that 
section must ever continue to be covered with primitive 
forests. 

14. Divisions. —The state is divided into counties, ar¬ 
ranged under Eastein and Westein Virginia, as follows: 

EASTERN DISTRICT. 

Connlies. Pop. in 1860. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Accomac. 17,890 .Accomac Court House. - 

Albemarle. 2.5.800.Charlottesville. 1,000 

Alexaiulria. 10,008 .Alexandria. . 

Appomatox. 9.193.Appomattox C. H. . 

Amelia. 9,970.Amelia C. U. . 

Amherst. 12,1599.Amherst C. H.. 130 

Bedford. 24,080 .Eiberty. 375 

Brunswick. 13,894.Lawrenceville. 350 

Buckingham. 13.8:17.BuckinghamC.il. . 

Campbell. 23.245 .Campbell C. H. . 

Caroline. 18,450.Bowling Green. 250 


Counties. 

Charles City. 

Charlotte. 

Chesterfield. 

Culpepper.. 

Cumberland. 

Dinwiddie. 

Elizabeth City. 

Essex. 

Fairfax. 

Fauquier. 

Fluvanna. 

Franklin. 

Gloucester. 

Goochland. 

Greensville. 

Greene. 

Halifax. 

Hanover. 

Henrico. 

Henry. 

Isle of Wight-... 

James City. 

King George ..■. 
King William .. ■ 
King and Queen. 

Lancaster. 

Loudoun . 

Louisa. 

Lunenburg. 

Madison. 

Mathews. 

Mecklenbiu-g...- 

Middlesex. 

Nansemond. 

Nelson ....... — 

New Kent ...... 

Norfolk. 

Northampton.... 
Northumberland. 

Nottoway. 

Orange. 

Patrick. 

Pittsylvania. 

Powhatan. 

Princess Anne... 
Prince Edward •. 
Prince George... 
Prince William.. 
Rappahannock. 

Richmond. 

Southampton - .• • 
Spotsylvania ••• • 

Stafford. 

Surry. 

Sussex - .. 

W arwick. 

Westmoreland •• 
York. 


Alleghany. 

Augusta.. 

Barbour. 

Bath.. 

Berkeley. 

Boone. 

Botetourt. 

Braxton. 

Brooke . 

, Cabell. 

Carroll. 

Clarke. 

Doddridge. 

Fayette. 

Floyd. 

Frederick. 

Giles. 

Gilmer. 

Grayson . 

Greenbriar. 

Hampshire. 

Hancock. 

Hardy. 

Harrison. 

Highland. 

Jackson. 

Jefferson. 

Kanawha. 

Lee. 

Lewis .. 

Logan . 

Marion. 

Marshall. 

Mason. 

Mercer. 

Monongalia . -.. 

Monroe. 

Montgomery ... 


Pop. in 1850. 
... 5,200... 

.. 13,955... 

17.489.. . 

... 12,282... 

... 9,751... 

.. 25,118... 
., 4,586... 
.. 10,206... 
... 10,682... 
... 20,868... 
.. 9,487... 
... 17,430... 
.. 10,.527... 
.. 10.352... 
.. 5,6:i9... 
... 4,400... 
... 2.5,962... 
.. 15,153... 
.. 43,572... 
.. 8,872... 
.. 9,353... 

.. 4,020... 
.. 5,971... 

... 8,779'... 
... 10.319... 
.. <708.... 
... 22,079... 
... 16.691... 
.. 11,692... 
... 9,331... 

.. 6,714... 
.. 20,630... 
.. 4,394... 
... 12,283... 

12.758.. . 

.. 6,064... 

... 33.036... 
... 7,498... 
... 7,346... 
... 8,437... 
.. 10,007... 
... 9,609-.. 
... 28,796... 
... 8,178-.. 

... 7,609... 
... 11,8.57-.. 
... 7,-596... 
.. 8,129... 

... 9,7,52-., 

6,4-18-.. 

13.. 521... 

••• 14.911-.. 
-.. 8,044... 

•• .5,679-.. 
•• 9,820-.. 

1,546-.. 
8,080-.• 
... 4,460-.. 


County Towni. Pop. in 1840. 

...Charles City C. II. .... 4,774 

... Charlotte C. H. 475 

...Chesterfield C. H. . 

...Culpepper C. H. . 

.. - Cumberl.and C. H. - -. - 90 

... Dinwiddie C. H.. . 

..Hampton. 1,200 

.. Tappahannock. 300 

...Fairfax C. H. 250 

.. W arrenton. 1,300 

.-Palmyra. . 

..Rocky Mount. 180 

- Gloucester C. H. 126 

. - Gtxichland C. H. . 

. - Hicksford. 70 

. - Stannardsville. . 

. - Halifax C. H. 300 

.. Hanover C. H. 60 

..Richmond.20,1.53 

. - Martinsville. 100 

..Smithfield. 900 

- - Williamsburg. 1,600 

.. King George C. H. 60 

.. - King Wiliiam C. 11.... 75 

..KingandQueenC.il.. 60 

. - Lancaster C. H. 100 

. - Leesburg. . 

.. Louisa C. H. .. 

.. Lunenburg C. H. 100 

.. Madison. 300 

.. Mathews C. H. . 

. - Boydtown. . 

.-Urbanna. 175 

..Suffolk. 1,500 

.. - Lovingston. . 

. - New Kent C. H. . 


Norfolk & Porlsmouthl0,920 

Eastville ,. . 

Heathsville. . 


Nottoway C. H. 

Orange C. H. 

Patrick C. H. 

Pitbiyivania C. H. 

Scottsville. 

Princess Anne C. H.... 
Prince Edward C. H.-- 

90 

500 

300 

250 

. 150 



Washington. 

. - 



Fredricksburg. 

3,974 

Falmouth. 

500 

Surry C. H. 

50 

Sussex C. H. 

75 

-Warwick C. H.. 

25 

Westmoreland C. H.. - 

. 150 

Yorktown. 

. 300 


WESTERN DISTRICT. 


... 3.515.Covington. 

... 24,610.Staunton. 

... 9,005. 

... 3,426.Bath.. 

... 11,771.Martinsburg.... 

... 3,237.Boone C.H.... 

... 14,908.Fincastle.- 

... 4,212.Braxton C. H... 

... 5.054.Wellsburg. 

... 6,299.Cabell C.H. 

... 5,909.Carroll C. H. .. 

... 7,352.Berryville . 

... 2,750.Doddridge C. H. 

... 3,955.Fayetteville ... ■ 

... 6,458.Floyd C.H_ 

... 15,975.Winchester .... 

... 6,570.Giies C. H. 

... 3,475.GiimerC. H... 

... 6,677.Greensville .... - 

... 10,022.Lewisburg .... - 

... 1-1,038.Romney. 

... 4,050.Hancock C, H. - 

... 9,543.Mooretield .... 

... 11,728.Clarksburg- 

... 4,227-.Highland C. H. 

• •• 0,544.Ripley. 

• •• 15,357.Charlestown... 

• • • 15,353.Charleston .... 

• • • 10,267.Jonesville. 

... 10,031.IVeston.- 

-.. 3,620.Logan C. H... - 

10,.552.Fairmount . 

••• 10,138.Elizabethtown. 

• • • 7,539.Point Pleasant - 

• • • 4,222.Princeton. 

• • • 12,387.Morgantown . • 

••• 10.304.Union. 

• • - 8,359.Christiansburg - 


300 

2,500 


1,700 

800 

2,000 


3,454 


900 

400 

300 

800 


200 

200 


300 

700 

600 

335 


1850 


27,483 


14,320 


ducts? 9 . Native animals? 10 . Minerals? 11 . Climate? 12 . Soil? 


13 . Face of the country? 14 . Divisions? 15 . Agriculture? 





















































































































































































































































































































STATE OF 

Coanties. Pop. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1860. 

Morgiin. 3,557.Berkeley Springs. . 

Nicholas. 3.9fi3.Suinmersville. 125 

Ohio. 18,000.Wheeling. 7,885 

Page. 7,000.Luray. 50 

PendU^ton ... 5.795.Franklin. . 

Pociihontas. 3.598.Hvintersville. 130 

Preston. 11,708.Kingwood. 180 

Pulaski. 5,118.Newbern. . 

Putnam. .5,33.5.Putnam C. H. . 

Raleigh. 1,705 .Raleigh C. H. . 

Randolph . 5.245.Beverly. . 

Ritchie. 3,902.Ritchie C. H. . 

Roanoke . 8,477.Salem. 250 

Rockbridge. 10,045.Lexington. 1,200 

Rockingham. 20.294.Harrisonburg. 1,100 

Russell. 11,919.Lebanon. . 

Scott. 9,829.Kstillville. . 

Shenandoah. 13,708.Woodstock. 1,000 

Smythe. 8,102.Marion. . 

Taylor. 5,307.Taylor C. H. . 

Tazewell. 9,942.Jeffersonville. 175 

Tyler. 5,498.Middlebourne. . 

Warren. 0,007.Front Royal. 300 

Washington. 14,612.Abingdon. 1,000 

Wayne. 4,760.Wayne C. H. . 

Wetzel. 4,284.Wetzel C. H. . 

Wirt... 3,353.••■•WirtC. H. . 

Wood. 9,450.Parkersburg. . 

Wyoming. 1,645.Wyoming C.H.. . 

Wythe. 12,024.Wytheville. 450 

16, Agriculture.—Tobacco is extensively raised in 
Eastern Virginia, and sparingly in the southern part of the 
central valley. Cotton is planted to some extent in the 
southern and eastern parts, and hemp is raised to advantage 
on some of the best lands, above tidewater. Western Vir¬ 
ginia affords excellent pastures, and is chiefly devoted to 
grazing. Wheat, maize, rye, oats, and buckwheat are the 
principal grain crops on both sides of the mountains. 

16. Manufactures.—The state possesses great ad¬ 
vantages for manufacturing operations, in cheap labor, an 
inexhaustible supply of fuel, and immense Avater-power; 
yet planting and farming are the favorite pursuits. There 
are some manufactures of cotton and woolen goods, glass, 
iron, paper, cordage, putty, leather, &c., in the northern 
and northwestern parts of the state. The Kanawha Salt¬ 
works are extensive. Still, the manufacturing advantages 
of Virginia are not duly appreciated in the state. 

17. Commerce.—The commerce of Virginia is not 
extensive, consisting chiefly of the export of agricultural 
products. The state receives her manufactured goods, 
foreign and domestic, chiefly from northern ports. 

18. Mining.—The mining operations for iron, coal, 
and gold are considerable. 

19. Canals aud Railroads.—Of these there are 
several. The railroads extend from the coast to Tennessee. 

20. Education.— William and Mary College, one of 
the oldest institutions in the country, was founded at Wil¬ 
liamsburg in 1691. There are several other seminaries of 
respectaWe standing, among which are Hampden Sydney 
College, in Prince Edward county; Washington College, at 
Lexington; and the University of Virginia, at Charlotte- 
ville. The interests of education have been much neglected 
in Virginia, but attempts have recently been made to im¬ 
prove and extend the means both of elementary and higher 
instruction, 

21. Chief Towns.— Richmond, the capital, stands 
on the north side of James River, at its lower falls, and at 
the head of tidewater. The town rises gradually from the 
water, and has a fine, picturesque appearance. The west¬ 
ern division occupies an eminence called Shockoe Hill, over¬ 
looking the loAver town. The capitol is built upon the 
highest summit, and has a delightful and commanding pros¬ 
pect. Two bridges cross the river to Manchester, on the 

16. Mamifactiires ? 17. Commerce? 18. Mining? 19. Canola 


VIRGINIA. 71 

opposite bank. Most of the houses are of brick, and many 
are elegant. One of the James River canals here empties 
into a basin containincf a surface of two acres. There is a 
boat navigation for 220 miles on the river above the city, 
and vessels drawing fifteen feet of Avater can come up to 
within a few miles of the tOAvn. Richmond has a very flour¬ 
ishing trade, both inland and by sea, and enjoys extraordi¬ 
nary advantages by communication Avith a rich and Avell- 
cultivated country, abounding in tobacco, grain, hemp, 
coal, &c. Its Avater-power, in the falls of James Riy^er, is 
immense, and is used to a considerable extent for manufac¬ 
tures of iron, cotton, flour, tobacco, &c. 

22. Otlier Towns.— Norfolk, the principal commer¬ 
cial toAvn, stands, on an excellent harbor, at the outlet of 
James River, where a branch called Elizabeth River joins 
the main stream. At Gosport, in Portsmouth, on the oppo¬ 
site bank of Elizabeth River, is a navy-yard of the United 
States, Avith a dry-dock. Petersburg stands on the south 
bank of the Appomattox, tAveUe miles above its junction 
Avith the James River, at City Point. It is a handsome 
and thriving town, and has a large trade in tobacco and 
flour. Fredericksburg is on the south side of Rappahan¬ 
nock River, 110 miles above the Chesapeake. The river 
is navigable for vessels of 140 tons. The town is sur¬ 
rounded by a fertile country, and is regularly built. The 
trade of the place is considerable. Lynchburg, on the 
south side of the James River, 100 miles Avest of Rich¬ 
mond, stands on the slope of a hill, and is surrounded by a 
broken and mountainous country, abounding in fertile val¬ 
leys. The toAvn has a great trade in tobacco, and the 
neighborhood is populous. Williamsburg, betAveen York 
and James Rivers, was once the capital of the state, and 
contains the college of William and Mary, a state-house, a 
court-house, and a state lunatic asylum. York, or York- 
town, on the south side of York River, has an excellent 
harbor, and some trade. It is memorable for the surrender 
of Lord Cornwallis and the British army, in 1781. Mount 
Vernon, on the Avestern shore of the Potomac, fifteen miles 
from Washington, is Avorthy of attention, as the residence 
of Washington, and the spot Avhich contains his tomb. The 
tomb, into which the body of the hero has been removed, 
is an excavation in the earth, with a plain brick front, but 
rendered more secure than that in Avhich it was originally 
deposited, by being closed with an iron door. Wheeling, 
on the Ohio, is a flourishing and rapidly-increasing town, 
and a port of entry. It is chiefly built in a single street, 
on account of the proximity of a range of steep hills, on 
which it stands, to the river. The hills contain inexhaust¬ 
ible quantities of coal. Wheeling is the highest point of 
the Ohio to which naAngation extends at Ioav Avater, and 
many boats and steam-vessels are built here. The great 
national road over the Alleghanies, called the Cumberland 
Road, meets the Ohio at this place. Other towns are 
Winchester, Shepherdstown, Martinsburg, and Staunton, 
where there is a state lunatic asylum; Lexington and Fin- 
castle, in the central valley; Charlestown and Abingdon, to 
the Avest of the mountains ; and Charlotteville, the seat of 
the state university. Tavo miles from the last place is 
Monticello, formerly the residence of Jefferson. 

23. Inliabitants.—About one-third of the inhabitants 
of this state are negro slaves, chiefly situated in the eastern 
part. The colonists of Virginia were averse to the intro¬ 
duction of slavery from the beginning, and its legislatures 

and railroads? 20 . Education? 21 . Richmond? 22 . Other 



































































































STATE OF VIRGINIA. 



Pocahontas pleading for Capt. Smith. 


passed laws to prohibit it; but these were overruled by the 
officers of the crown, and thus the British government 
fastened the institution upon the country. 

24. History—Annals. —Attempts were made by the 
English, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, to form set¬ 
tlements on this part of the coast of North America, and 
the name of Virginia was given to it in honor of the virgin 
queen. The first colony which proved permanent was 
established in 1607, at Jamestown, near the mouth of James 
River, which names were given in compliment to King 
James. The early colonists suffered much from famine and 
the enmity of the natives. At a later period (1676), a 
formidable rebellion occurred, headed by Nathaniel Bacon. 
This was terminated by the death of the leader, though a 
state of great ferment continued for a time. The colony, 
however, continued to advance in prosperity, although 
involved in the calamities of the French Avar of 1753. 
Virginia AA’as one of the croAvn colonies, having been gov¬ 
erned, until the Revolution, by a governor appointed by the 
king of England. In 1776 a constitution Avas framed, which, 
in 1830 underAvent many and important changes. The 
right of suffrage, hoAvev’er, continued to be more restricted 
than in almost any other state in the Union. A convention 
for another revision is noAV called (1850). 

25. Capt. John Smith. —This individual, Avhose life 
was marked Avith Avonderful adventures, was one of the first 
Jamestown settlers. His energy and skill often saved the 
colony from destruction. The country around Avas peopled 
by Indian tribes, the chief of which Avas subject to a sachem 
named Powhatan. On an exploring expedition into the 

tovons? 23 . Inhabitants? 24 . Annals? 25 . Captain John 


country. Smith was taken prisoner by the Indians, and car¬ 
ried before the king. It Avas decided that he should die, 
and preparation was made for his execution. When the 
fatal club Avas uplifted, Pocahontas, the young and beauti¬ 
ful daughter of the chief, rushed forAvard, sheltering his 
head with her arms, and pleading for his life. Smith Avas 
thus saA'ed, and Avas afterward escorted by twelve Indian 
guides to Jamestown. 

26. Pocahontas. —This Indian princess was eA^er the 
friend of the English. When the settlers were near starv¬ 
ing, she caused them to be supplied Avith needful articles, 
thus saAung them from destruction. When a plot had been 
formed by the'Indians for annihilating the colony by a sud¬ 
den attack, she hastened, on a dark and dreary night, to 
JamestoAvn, and informed Smith of the threatened danorer. 
In 1613, Pocahontas was married to a young Englishman, 
named John Rolfe, an event which seemed to promote a 
state of amity betAveen the Indians and the English. In 
1616, she accompanied her husband to England, Avhere she 
Avas treated Avith much attention by the king and queen, 
and other persons of note. As she was about to return, 
she fell a victim to the English climate, at the age of 22. 
She left one son, from whom some of the most respectable 
families in Virginia have descended. 

27. Presidents of the IJiiited States. —Virginia is 
remarkable for the number of presidents she has given to 
the United States. Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, 
and Tyler Avere all natives and residents of this state. Har¬ 
rison and Taylor were also born in Virginia—thus making a 
majority of the Avhole number Avho Avere natives of this state. 

Smith? 26 . Pocahontas? 27 . Presidents of the United State" t 























STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 


rs 


Extent, 45,000 square miles. 



Population in 1850, 868,903.—Population to the square mile, 19.s 


Lesson XL...State of North Carolina. 

1. Characteristics. —North Carolina is noted for its 
gold mines, the dangerous headlands along its coast, and 
its forests, valuable for various purposes. 

2. Mountains. —The western part of the state is tra¬ 
versed by several chains of the Appalachian system of 
mountains ; and these, under various local names, as the 
Stone Mountain, Iron Mountain, Bald Mountain, and 
Smoky Mountain, form the western- boundary of the state. 
Pilot Mountain is a lofty pyramidal peak in Stokes county. 

3. Rivers.-^ —The Roanoke and Chowan, which rise in 
Virginia, empty themselves into Albemarle Sound, in this 
state. The latter is navigable for small vessels to Mur¬ 
freesboro. The Roanoke has a course of 400 miles ; it is 
navigable for small vessels thirty miles, and for boats to 
the head of the tide at Weldon, seventy-five miles. Above 
the falls at Weldon, it is navigable for boats, by the aid of 
canals, 244 miles, to Salem. The Pamlico and Neuse flow 
into Pamlico Sound. The former is navigable for vessels 
drawing nine feet of water, thirty miles, and for boats to 
Tarboro, ninety miles. Cape Fear River is the principal 
stream which has its whole course in this state. It rises 
in the north part, and, traversing the state in a southeast¬ 
erly course of 280 miles, falls into the Atlantic at Cape 
Fear. It is navigable for vessels of eleven feet draught to 
Wilmington, and for boats to Fayetteville. The Yadkin 
traverses the western part of the state from north to south, 
and passes into South Carolina under the name of the 
Great Pedee. The Catawha rises in the Blue Ridge and flows 
south into South Carolina. From the opposite slope of the 
mountains descend the head streams of the river Tennessee. 

4. Sounds and Bays. —The largest is . Pamlico 
Sound, lying between the main land and one of the many 
islands in this quarter. It is eighty-six miles in length along 
the coast, and from ten to twenty broad. It communicates 
with the ocean by several narrow mouths, the most com¬ 
mon of which, for navigation, is Ocracoke Inlet. A little to 
the north is Albemarle Sound, which extends sixty miles 

Exercises on the Map of North Carolina.— Boundaries ? 
Extent f Population ? Population to the square mile ? Where is 
Albemarle Sound? Pamlico Sound? CapeHatteras ? Cape Look¬ 
out? Cape Fear? Describe the Neuse River; Tar River; Cape 

10 


into the land, and is from five to fifteen miles wide. It 
communicates with Pamlico Sound, and with the sea, by 
several narrow and shallow inlets. 

5. Shores and Capes.— The shores are low and 
marshy, and the navigation along the coast dangerous, on 
account of the shoals. Cape Lookout and Cape Fear indi¬ 
cate by their names the dread with which mariners ap¬ 
proach them. But the most foknidable is Cape Hatteras, 
the elbow of a triangular island, forming the seaward limit 
of Pamlico Sound. Its shoals extend a great distance 
from the land, and render it one of the most dangerous 
headlands on the American coast. 

'6. Islands. —The coast is skirted by a range of low, 
sandy islands, thrown up by the sea. They are long and 
narrow, and inclose several shallow bays and sounds. They 
are generally barren. 

7. Vegetable Products, dee. —A great part of the 
country is covered with forests of pitch pine. In the plains 
of the low country, this tree is almost exclusively the nat¬ 
ural growth of the soil. It much exceeds in hight the 
pitch pine of the northern states. The tar, turpentine, and 
lumber afforded by this valuable tree, constitute one half 
of the exports of the state. The moisture of the air, in 
the swampy regions, loads the trees with long, spongy moss, 
which hangs in clusters from the limbs, and gives the forest 
a singular appearance. The misletoe is often fovmd upon 
the trees of the interior. This state also produces several 
valuable medicinal roots, as ginseng, snakeroot, &c. The 
rich intervals are overgrown with canes, the leaves of which 
continue green through the winter, and afford good fodder 
for cattle. In the mountainous region of the west, oak, 
elm, walnut, lime, and cherry trees are common. The ani¬ 
mals are similar to those of Virginia. 

8. Minerals and Mineral Springs.— Iron ore 
abounds, and is worked to considerable extent. The gold 
region, which extends from the Potomac, along the east 
of the Blue Ridge into Alabama, is broader and more pro¬ 
ductive in this state than in any other. The gold is ob¬ 
tained either by washing, that is, by simply separating 


Fear River. Where does the Roanoke empty? Capital of North 
Carolina ? 

LESSON XL. 1. 

2. Mountains ? 3. Rivers ? 


Characteristics of North Carolina? 
4. Sounds and Bays ? 5. Shores 




















































74 


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. 


native gold from the sand in which it is found, or from 
mines. There are thermal waters in Buncombe county 
which are said to cure rlieumatisra and paralysis. 

9. C'limsitc.— The climate partakes of the diversified 
character of the surface. The mountainous region, or 
western plateau, experiences much of the ligor of the 
winters of the more northern states, though less long and 
not so severe. The air in this and the lower midland 
region is pure and healthy, and the summer heats are tem¬ 
pered by cool nights. But in the low country, the sum¬ 
mers are hot and sultry, and the air is rendered unhealthy 
by the exhalations of the marshes and stagnant waters. 

10. Soil. —In the level country, generally, the soil is 
poor and sandy, with lai-ge swampy tracts. The banks of 
some of the rivers are tolerably fertile, and there are some 
glades of moist land, possessing a black, fruitful soil. West 
of the hilly country, the soil is good, and resembles that of 
the states farther north. 

11. Swamps.— The Great Dismal Swamp lies in the 
northeastern part of the state, and extends into Virginia. 
It is thirty miles in length, and ten in breadth, and covers 
an extent of 150,000 acres ; the soil is marshy, and the 
whole tract is overgrown with pine, juniper, and cypress 
trees, with white and red oak in the drier parts. In the 
center, on the Virginia side, is Lake Drummond, fifteen 
miles in circuit. Many parts of the swamp are impervious 
to man, from the thickness of the woods and bushes. A 
canal is carried through it from Norfolk to Albemarle 
Sound. Between Albemarle and Pamlico Sound is an¬ 
other, called Alligator, or Little Dismal Swamp, which 
also has a lake in the center; this has been partly drained 
by means of a canal, and the land rendered fit for the cul¬ 
tivation of rice. It is estimated that there are 2,500,000 
acres of swampy land within the state, capable of being 
drained at a trifling cost, and fitted for the culture of cot¬ 
ton, tobacco, rice, and maize. 

12. Face of tlie Country. —The eastern part of the 
state, for a distance of about sixty miles from the sea, is a 
low plain covered with swamps, indented by numerous 
shallow inlets from the ocean, and traversed by sluggish 
streams, which the low and level surface allows to spread 
out into broad basins. To this maritime belt, succeeds a 
fine undulating country, irrigated wdth fresh, running 
waters, and presenting a surface agreeably diversified with 
hills and valleys. The western part of the state is an 
elevated table-land, rising to a general elevation of about 
1800 feet above the level of the sea, independently of the 
mountainous summits, which rise much higher. 

13. Divisions. —North Carolina is divided as follows: 


Counties. 
Alamance . 
Alexander. 
Anson .... 

Ashe. 

Beaufort. • • 

Bertie. 

Bladen .... 
Brunswick. 
Buncombe 

Burke. 

Cabarras .. 
Caldwell ... 
Camden. • • 
Carteret. • • 
Caswell .... 
Catawba. •• 
Chatham . • 
Cherokee-.' 
Chowiin... 


Pop, 


Pop. in 1840. 


600 


in 1850. County Tovms. 

11,444.(iraham. 

5,220.Taylorsville. 

13,4S9.VVadesboro’. 

8,777.Jefferson. . 

13.816.Washington.1,200 

12,851.Windsor. . 

9,767.Elizabethtown.. 

7,272. Smitbville. 200 

13,425.Ashville. . 

7,772.Morgantown.. 

9,747.Concord.. 350 

6.317.Lenoir. . 

6,049.New Ijebanon. . 

6,803.Beaufort.1,974 

15J169.Yanceyville. .. 

8,862.Newton. . 

18,449 .Pittsboro’. 300 

6,838.Murphy. . 

6,721.Edentou. . 


1880. 


aixd Capex ? 6. Islands ? 

and Mineral Springs? 9. 


7. Vegetable products ? 8. Minerals 

Climate? 10. Soil? 11. Swamps? 


Coanties. Pop. in 1860. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 

Cleaveland. 10,396.Shelby. . 

Columbus. 5,909.Whitesville. . 

Craven. 14,709.Newljeru.3,690 

Cumberland.20,610.Fayetteville.4,2o5 

Currituck. 7.236.Currituck. . 

Davidson. 15,320.Lexington.. 

Davie. 7,866.Mocksville. . 

Duplin.1.3,514.Kenausville.. 

Edgecombe.17,189.Tarborough. 600 

Forsyth. 11,168. 

Franklin. 11,713.Louisburg. 500 

Gaston. 8,073.Dallas. . 

Gates. 8,-126.Gatesville. — 

Granville. 21,249.Oxford. 450 

Greene. 6,619.Snow Hill. 100 

Guilford.. 19,754._..Greensboro.—^ 

Halifax. 16,589.'.Halifax.—— 

Haywood. 7,074.Waynesvillc. . 

Henderson. 6,8.53.Hendersonville. . 

Hertford. 8,142.Murfreesboro’. 100 

Hyde. 7,636.Germantown. . 

Iredell.14,719.Statesville. 220 

Johnston. 13,726...Smithffeld. 200 

Jones. 5,038.Trenton. 100 

Lenoir. 7,828.Kingston. . 

Lincoln. 7,746.Lincointon. 836 

McDowell. 0,246.Marion. . 

Macon. 6,389.Franklin. . 

Marlin. 8,307.Williamstown ........ 250 

Mecklenberg. 13,914.;..Charlotte.1,000 

Montgomery. 6,872.Troy. . 

Moore. 9,332.Carthage. . 

Nash. 10,657.Ntishville.. 

New Hanover. 17.1)68.VVilminglon. .... 4,744 

Northampton. 13,335.Jackson. . 

Onslow. 8,283.Onslow Court House ..- 

Orange. 17,055.. Hillsboro.. 

Pasquotank. 8,950.Elizabeth City.2,000 

Perquimans. 7,331.Hertford.... 

Person.10,781.Roxboro. 100 

Pitt. 13,397.Greenville.. 

Randolph. 15,832.Ash boro.. 

Richmond. 9,818.Rockingham. 200 

Robeson. 12,826.Luinberton.. 

Rockingham. 14,495.Wentworth. 100 

Rowan. 13,870.Salisbury. 700 

Rutherford.13,5.50.Rutherfordton.. 300 

Sampson. 14,,585.Clinton.. 

Stanly. 6,922.Albemarle. . 

Stokes. 9,206.Germanton. 1,000 


IStO 


4,722 


11,219 


Surry. 18.443.Rockford, 

Tyrrel. 5,133.Columbia. •.. 

Union.10,051.Monroe. 

Wake. 24,887.Raleigh. 

Warren. 13,912.Warrenton .• 

Washington. 5,666.Plymouth 

Watauga. 3,400. 

Wayne. 13,486.Goldsboro’.. 

Wilkes. 12,099.Wilkesboro’, 

Yancey. 8,205.Burnsville ... 


150 


, 2,244 
675 
778 

325 

150 


3,091 


14. Agriculture. —Agriculture is in a low state, from 
the want of good harbors and of inland navigation. The 
great diversity of climate produces a corresponding variety 
of productions. The eastern lowlands yield rice, cotton, and 
indigo; here, also, the fig-tree begins to appear. In the 
-more elevated region, the northern gi-ains and fruits thrive ; 
wheat, Indian corn, &c., with tobacco, and hemp, apples, 
pears, peaches, sweet potatoes, and yams. 

15. Manufactures. —There are some manufactures 
of wool, iron, and cotton: the latter are increasing. 

16. Commerce. —Most of the produce of the coun¬ 
try has been exported by the way of Charleston, South 
Carolina, and Lynchburg and Petersburg, Virginia. Be¬ 
sides the agricultural productions above mentioned, naval 
stores, or tar, pitch, and turpentine, are exported in large 
quantities. 

lY. Numbering. —This is carried on to a great extent 
for the purpose of taking to market the yellow pine, which 
is highly esteemed for its beauty and durability. 

18. Mining. —The operations of mining are chiefly 
confined to the collecting of gold. Iron is, however, ob¬ 
tained to some extent. 

19. Canals and Railroads. —There are several 
of these, but none of great magnitude. 

12. Face of the country ? 13. Divisions ? 14. Agriculture ? 

^5, Manufactures ? IQ. Commerce? 'Ll. Lumbering? LQ. Min- 



























































































































































































































































STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 




Making Tar and Turpentine. 


20, Educali<m. —The University of North Carolina, 
at Chapel Hill, is the principal literary institution in the 
state, and there are about twenty academies in various 
places. Common-school education is unknown. 


Lesson XLL. .Slate of South Carolina. 

1. Characteristics. —This is the small¬ 
est of the Southern States, yet it is noted for 
its interesting history, and the number of tal¬ 
ented men it has produced. 

2. Mountains. —There are a few lofty 
mountains in the western part, belonging to 
the Blue Ridge. Table Mountain, in this 
chain, rises to the hight of 4000 feet above 
the level of the sea. King's Mountain, in 
York district, lies partly in North Carolina.' 

3. Kivers. —The rivers of South Caro¬ 
lina rise in the Blue Ridge, and flow south - 
easterly into the ocean. In the lower part of 
their course they are less navigable than near 
the center, of the state, and this character 
belongs to the other rivers of the Atlantic 
slope, southwest of Chesapeake Bay. The 
Great Pedee rises in the northwest part of 
North Carolina, where it bears the name of 
the Yadkin, and flows into WinyaAv Bay, after 
a course of 450 miles. Tlie Little Pedee and 
Waccamaxo are its tributaries from the north. 

The Santee is formed by the ^'unction of the 
Wateree, or Catawba, and the Congaree, or 
Broad rivers, both of which rise in the Blue 
Ridge in North Carolina. The Saluda is a 
branch of the Congaree. The Edisto is nav¬ 
igable for large boats about 100 miles. 

4. Harbors. —Like those of North Carolina, the har¬ 
bors of this state are generally bad. That of Charleston 

ing? 19. Canals and railroads? 20. Education? 21. Toicns? 
22. History? 

Exercises on the Map of South Carolina .—Boundaries 
of South Carolina? Extent? Population in 1840! Population 


75 

21. Towns. —There are no large towns in this state. 
Raleigh, the seat of government, is pleasantly situated, 
near the center of the state, and contains several public 
buildings, academies, &c. Newbern, on the south bank 
of the Neuse, thirty miles from Pamlico Sound, is a place 
of some commerce, and is one of the most flourishing 
towns in the state. It was formerly the capital. Tar, 
pitch, turpentine, and lumber, are the chief articles of 
export. Wilmington, on Cape Fear River, thirty-five miles 
from the sea, is the most commercial town in North Caro¬ 
lina. Vessels of 300 tons can come up to the place. 
In its vicinity are the most extensive rice fields in the state. 
Fayetteville, a thriving town, at the head of boat naviga¬ 
tion, on Cape Fear River, was destroyed by fire in 1831. 
Six hundred buildings were burnt, but the town has been 
rebuilt. Other considerable towns are, Edenton, Washing¬ 
ton, Salisbury, Tarboro, and Halifax. 

22. History* —North Carolina was first settled about 
1650; it formed a part of South Carolina until 1'729, 
under the name of the County of Albemarle. It had, 
however, a separate legislature from 1715. During the 
war of the Revolution, some expeditions were made into 
this state by the British, from South Carolina, and the 
American forces were defeated at Guilford Court House 
in 1781. '[See History of South Carolina.'\ 


is obstructed at the entrance by a dangerous sand-bar; 
that of Georgetown will only admit small craft. The har- 


to the square mile ? Describe the follomng rivers: Great Pedee ; 
Lynches; Wateree; Santee; Saluda; Edisto. Capital of South 
Carolina ? 

LESSON XLI. 1. Characteristics of South Carolina ? 


Extent, 24,500 square miles. 





















































76 


STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 



Scene in South Carolina, 


bor of Beaufort, or Port Royal, is the best in the state, but 
is little frequented. The coast presents numerous entrances, 
which are accessible for small vessels, and afford facilities 
for an active coasting-trade. 

5. Islands. —The southern part of the coast is skirted 
by a range of islands, separated from the main land by 
narrow channels, Avhich afford a steamboat navigation. 
These islands, like the neighboring continent, are low and 
flat, but are covered with forests of live-oak, pine, and 
palmettoes. Before the cultivation of cotton, many of them 
were the haunts of alligators, and their thick woods and 
rank weeds rendered them impenetrable to man. At pres¬ 
ent, they are under cultivation, and well inhabited ; and as 
the voyager glides by their shores in a stearrtboat, he is 
enchanted with the prospect of their lively verdure, inter¬ 
spersed with thick clumps of palmettoes, and flowering 
grov’es of orange-trees. 

6. Vegetable Products, &;c. — The indigenous 
vegetation of this state combines the productions of the tem¬ 
perate and tropical regions, comprising the oaks and palms, 
pines and hickory. The palmetto, or cabbage-palm, attains 
the bight of from forty to fifty feet, and yields a sub¬ 
stance which is eaten as a salad, and resembles the cab¬ 
bage in taste. On the islands along the coast is the live- 
oak, which is so called on account of its being an ever¬ 
green ; it is a noble tree, with a trunk sometimes twelve 
feet in girth ; its long branches are spread horizontally, and 
festoons of moss hang from them almost sweeping the 
ground. The laurel is here seen covered with large white 
blossoms, shaped like a lily, and a foot in circumference. 
The long sandy beaches which border these islands toward 
the sea, are covered with thousands of water fowl. Wild 
deer, wild turkeys, grouse, rattlesnakes, and the moccasin 
snake are among the animals. 

7. Minerals. —South Carolina is not rich in minerals. 
The gold region, however, extends through it, and gold to 
a considerable amount is annually obtained. There is some 
iron, ocher, marble, lead, potters’ clay, and fullers’ earth. 

8. Climate. —The climate of this state very nearly 
resembles that of North Carolina; but lying more to the 
south, and having a less extensive mountainous i;fgion. 
South Carolina partakes more decide*&ly of the tropical 
character. Sugar-cane has been cultivated with success in 
the southeastern part of the state. In the western mount¬ 
ains the air is healthy, and snow lies for some time during 
the winter. The eastern section has a hot, moist, and un¬ 
healthy climate. 


9. Soil.—The eastern part of the state is alluvial. The 
soil is divided by the planters into, first, the tide swamp, and 
second, the inland swamp, which are best adapted to the cul¬ 
tivation of rice and hemp ; third, high-river swamp, or second 
low grounds, favorable to the growth of hemp, corn, and 
indigo; fourth, salt marsh; fifth, oak and hickory high 
land, which is highly fertile, and yields corn, cotton, and 
indigo; and, sixth, pine barren, which, though the least 
productive, is the most healthy soil of the low country. 
A portion of the last is considered as a necessary append¬ 
age to every swamp plantation, for erecting the dwelling- 
house of the planter. 

10. Face of tlic Country.—The coast, for 100 
miles from the ocean, is covered with forests of pitch-pine, 
with swampy tracts here and there. Beyond this is a 
parallel belt of territory, called the Middle Country, con¬ 
sisting of low sand-hills, resembling the waves of an agi¬ 
tated sea. . This tract occasionally presents an oasis of 
verdure, or a few straggling pine-trees, and sometimes a 
field of maize or potatoes. The Middle Country is bounded 
by another belt of land called the Ridge, where the coun¬ 
try rises by a steep' and sudden elevation, and afterward 
continues gradually to ascend. Beyond, the surface ex¬ 
hibits a beautiful alternation of hill and dale, interspersed 
with extensive forests, and watered by pleasant streams. 

11. I>ivi$ioiis.—South Carolina is divided into districts, 

as follows: j 

Districts. Fop. in 1850. Scats of Justice. Pop. in 1840 1850. 

Abbeville.32,318.Abbeville. . 

Anderson. 21,475.Anderson Court House 500 

Barnwell. 26,608.Barnwell C. H. 400 

Beaufort. 38,805.Coosawhatchie. . 

Charleston. 72,805.Charleston.29,261 42,806 

Chester. 18,038.Chester C. H. . 

Chesterflold. 10,790.Chesterfield C. H. .... - 

Colleton. 39,505.Walterboro. 500 

Darlington. 16,830.Darlington C. H. 500 

Edgefield. 39,262.Edgefield C. H. 1,200 

Fairfield. 21,404.W^innsborough. 700 

Georgetown. 20,647.Georgetown.. 2,500 

Greenvillb. 20,156.Greenville C. H. 945 

Horry. 7,646.Conwayborough. . 

Kershaw. 14,473.Camden. 1,000 

Lancaster. 10,988.1.ancaster C. H. . 

Laurens. 23,407.Laurensville. 563 

Lexington... •.. 12,930.Lexington C. H. . 

Marion. 17,407.Marion C. H. . 

Marlborough. 10,789.Bennettsville. . 

Newberry. 20,143.Newberry C. H. .- 

Orangeburg. 23,582.Orangeburg C. H. 500 

Pickens. 16,904.Pickens C. H. 300 

Richland. 20,243 .Columbia. 4,340 6,060 

Spartanburg. 26,400.Spartanburg C. H. 350 

Sumter. 33,220.Sumterville. 400 

Union. 19,852.Unionville. . 

Williamsburg. 12,447.Kingstree. . 

York. 19,433.Yorkville. 700 

The slaves exceed the whites in the state, and in the low 
country they are three to one. 




12. Agriculture. —The inhabitants are almost entirely 


2. Mountains? 3. Rivers? 4. Harbors? 5. Islands? 6. Vege-\ table products ? 7. Minerals? 8. Climate? 9. Soil? 10. Face 
































































































































STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 77 


occupied witL agriculture. Cotton and rice are the staple 
commodities, and are exported in large quantities. Indigo 
and tobacco thrive well. The cultivation of maize and 
other corn is little attended to, and considerable quantities 
of flour are imported for consumption. Other productions 
are apples, pears, peaches, figs, olives, oranges, yams, sweet 
potatoes, Ac. 

13. ITIaiiufactures. —These are yet in their infancy. 
Cotton manufactures are begun, and are likely to increase. 
There are also manufactures of wool, iron, Ac., on a small 
scale. 

14. Commerce. —The exportation of cotton and rice 
forms the principal branch of the commerce of the state, 
which is chiefly in the hands of the people of the northern 
states. Charleston is well situated for foreign commerce, 
and there is a growing interest in the subject. 

15. Canals and Railroads. —The length of rail- 
road completed is about GOO miles, and there are others in 
progress. The canals are of local importance .only. 

16. Edneation. —There are tw’o colleges in this state ; 
South Carolina College, at Columbia, and Charleston Col¬ 
lege, in Charleston. Several other institutions are styled 
colleges, but they are nothing more than respectable 
schools. There are also several academies. The Medical 
College of South Carolina is in Charleston ; and there is a 
Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Columbia, a Lutheran 
at Lexington, and a Baptist in Sumter district. The state 
has for a number of years made an annual grant toward 
the support of free schools, but they are not efficient or 
general. 

17. Cliarleston. —The city of Charleston, the second 
city in the Southern States, is situated at the confluence of 
the rivers Ashley and Cooper, six miles from the ocean. 
The harbor is commodious, and has two entrances, the 
deepest of which admits vessels of sixteen feet draft. Sul¬ 
livan’s Island, at the mouth of the harbor, is a pleasant 
summer resort. The harbor is defended by Fort Moultrie, 
on Sullivan’s Island, and by Forts Pinkney and Johnson. 
The city is regularly laid out and handsomely built, and 
the vicinity is adorned with numerous plantations in a high 
state of cultivation. It is much healthier than the sur¬ 
rounding country, and the planters from the low country, 
and wealthy West Indians, come here to spend the summer. 
It is also resorted to by people from the north, as a pleas¬ 
ant Avinter residence. Many of the houses are handsome, 
and are furnished Avith piazzas; the grounds are often 
adorned Avith floAvering plants and ornamental shrubs. The 
squares are shaded with the pride of China, and the gardens 
with orange-trees. The commerce of the city is extensive. 

18. Other Towns.— Columbia, the seat of govern¬ 
ment, stands on the Congaree, near the center of the state, 
and occupies an elevated plain, sloping gently'on CAery 
side. Georgetown, at the head of a .bay formed by the 
junction of the Great Pedee, WaccamaAv, and tAvo or three 
other streams, is thirteen miles from the sea, and has con¬ 
siderable commerce. Beaufort, on the island of Port 
Royal, is a pleasant toAvn, Avith a healthy situation, and 
good harbor ; but it has little commerce. Camden, on the 
Wateree, enjoys a portion of the interior trade, but is 
chiefly remarkable for the battles fought in its neighbor¬ 
hood during the revolution. 

19. History—Annals. —North and South Carolina 


of the country? 11. Divisions? 12. Agriculture? 13. Manu¬ 
factures? I'?. Commerce? 15. Canals and railroads ? iB, Bdu- 


Avere originally embraced under the general term of the 
Carolinas. There Avere several separate settlements or 
colonies, but all were under the superintendence of the 
same board of proprietors until 1729, Avhen they Avere 
finally separated. From this period, they were under tAvo 
distinct royal governments. North Carolina was settled 
by emigrants from Virginia between 1640 and 1650. 
Other settlements Avere made at different places. In 1669 
a constitution, formed by John Locke, and modeled after 
the English constitution, Avas established OA'er the tAvo 
Carolinas.. It Avas, hoAvever, unsuited to the condition of 
the people, and neA-er Avent into full operation. In 1677, 
disturbances took place in North Carolina, and a feverish 
state continued for several years, at one period breaking 
out into open rebellion. The colony, hoAvev'er, continued 
to prosper. The Indians, Avho had been numerous and 
poAverful, Avere gradually reduced to comparative insignifi¬ 
cance. In 1711, hoAveA’er, the Tuscaroras and Corees 
made a formidable attack upon the scattered settlements, 
killing one hundred and thirty persons • in a single night. 
The combined forces of North and South Carolina at 
length besieged them, in 1713, in their fort. They sur¬ 
rendered, and 800 prisoners Avere taken. The Corees re¬ 
mained in the country, and dwindled into insignificance. 
The Tuscaroras mio-rated to northern New York, allied 
themselv'es to the Five Nations, and became the sixth of 
that celebrated confederacy. The first permanent settle¬ 
ment in South Carolina was made at Oyster Point, in 
1680, Avhich grcAv up into the present city of Charleston. 
Wars with the Indians folloAved, and many of the latter 
were captured and sold in the West Indies as slaves. In 
1684, some Scotch emigrants settled at Port Royal; in 
16 86, a large number of persecuted French Huguenots estab¬ 
lished themselves in different parts of the colony. About 
this period, the people rebelled against Governor Colleton, 
who Avas impeached and banished. In 1693, the Funda¬ 
mental Constitution, framed by Locke, was abolished, and 
a more republican goA^ernment established. In 1702, an 
expedition Avas sent against the Spaniards at St. Augustine, 
which involved the colony in a debt of 126,000, and led 
to the first issue of paper money in the Carolinas. In 
1704 and 1715, there Avere serious troubles with the 
Indians. At the latter date, there Avas a general revolt of 
the tribes from Cape Fear River to the Alabama, headed 
by the Yamassees. The frontier settlements Avere desolated, 
and Port Royal Avas abandoned. Governor Craven march¬ 
ed against the enemy, and defeated them in a bloody bat¬ 
tle upon the banks of the Salkehatchie. This terminated 
the Avar, the Yamassees retiring to Florida. 

20. Revolutionary War. — In 1780 and 1781, 
South Carolina became the theater of military opera¬ 
tions, and Avas ov'errun by the British forces.. May 11, 
1780, Charleston Avas captured by the English, Avho also 
defeated the American troops at Camden, August 16th, 
and Avere in turn worsted in the action of King’s Mount¬ 
ain, October 7th. In the folloAving campaign, the Ameri¬ 
cans were successful at the CoAvpens, January l7th, and 
at EutaAV Springs, in September, and the hostile forces 
soon after evacuated the state. They marched northAvard, 
and Avere captured at Yorktown, Avith Cornwallis. The 
present constitution of South Carolina Avas formed in 1790. 
It has been since twice amended. 


cation ? 17. Charleston ? 18. Other towns ? 19. Annals ? 

20. Revolutionary War? 
















STATE OF FLORIDA. 



78 

Lesson XLII... State of Florida. 

1. Characteristics. —This state con¬ 
sists mostly of a large peninsula, and forms 
the most southeastern portion of the Union. 

2. ITIountaiiis. —Florida has no mount¬ 
ains. The table-lands between the rivers rise 
to the hight of 200 or 250 feet. 

3. Rivers. —The St. Johns rises in the 
center of the peninsula, and presents rather 
the appearance of a sound than a river. Its 
course is nearly 300 miles, for two-thirds of 
which it is navigable. The Ai-)alachicola, 
formed by the junction of the Flint and 
Chattahoochee, flows south into the Gulf of 
Mexico, after a course of 100 miles, through 
the whole of which it is navigable for sea 
vessels. All the rivers of this region have 
sand-bars at their mouths. 

4. r,alies.—These are numerous ; sev^eral 
are large, and all remarkable for the trans¬ 
parency of their waters. The Okeechobee, in 
the south, is the largest. 

5. Everglades. — These are extensive 
marshy thickets in the southeastern parts. 

During the late war with the Seminoles, the 
Indians found a retreat in these thickets, in 
consequence of which the struggle was pro¬ 
tracted for several years. 

6. Harbors and Shores. — The sea along both 
shores is, for the most part, shallow, but presents some good 
harbors and fine bays. On the Atlantic coast, there are 
harbors at the mouths of St. Mary's and St. John's rRers, 
and at St. Avgustine. On the western side are Apalachi¬ 
cola, Apalachee, and Pensacola bays. 

7. Islands. —The shore is lined with small low islands, 
separated from each other and from the main land by nar¬ 
row and shallow inlets and channels. Amelia Island and 
Anastatia, on the Atlantic coast, are low, sandy strips, 
about fifteen miles in length, by one in breadth. To the 
southwest is a chain of islets called Keys—from the Spanish 
cavo, a rocky islet—among which is Key West, or Thomp¬ 
son’s Island, twenty leagues from the shore. It contains a 
military port of the United States, and has considerable 
trade. The Tortugas are a cluster of keys on the extreme 
west of this chain. 

8. Springs. —These are remarkable—bursting out in 
great numbers over the territory. Wakulla Fountain, 
twelve miles from Tallahassee, consists of a vast reservoir 
of blue, transparent water, 1500 feet deep. A column 
constantly rushes up from its depths as from a boiling cal¬ 
dron, yet its water is extremely cold, ev'en in summer. It 
is probable that this gave rise to the Indian legend of the 
Fountain of Youth. On Mosquito River is a warm min¬ 
eral spring, with a basin of sufficient extent to float a boat. 
The water is slightly sulphurous. 

9. Vegetable Products. —The warmth and humidity 
of the climate compensate for the poverty of the soil, and 

'give to Florida a vegetation of great variety and luxuri¬ 
ance. Its forest-trees rise to a great hight, and its flower¬ 
ing shrubs are remarkable for their brilliancy. The nor¬ 
thern and central parts are covered with a dense forest, in 

Exercises on the Map of Florida.— Extent of Florida ? 
Population ? Population tq the square mile ? Boundaries ? Where 
is St. Augustine f Cape Sable? Where are the Florida Keys? 


which pine prevails; but the palms, cedar, chestnut, and 
live-oak attain an extraordinary size. The magnolia, so 
much admired for its beauty, the cypress, the pawpaw, 
with its green foliage and rich-looking fruit, the shady dog¬ 
wood, the titi, with its beautiful blossoms, &c., are found 
here. The low savannas are covered with wild grass and 
flowers of prodigious growth, and the cane in the swamps 
is of great hight and thickness. The fig, orange, date, and 
pomegranate are among the cultivated fruits. 

10. Auimuls.—The peculiar zoological feature of this 
region is a great display of parrots and other tropical birds. 
Deer and wild turkeys are common, and reptiles abound. 

11. Minerals.—Coal and iron ore are said to exist in 
some parts. 

12. Climate.—There is little dKersity of climate in 
Florida, although the northern belt, bordering on Alabama 
and Georgia, is less decidedly tropical in its character than 
the peninsular portion. Water never freezes, and even in 
the winter months, or rainy season, the heat is oppressive. 

13. Soil.—The soil may be described, in general, as 
poor, but there are many favorable exceptions. There is 
much swampy and marshy land, but the pine-barrens con¬ 
stitute a great part of the country. The hummock land, so 
called because it risQS in small mounds among the pines, has 
a good soil. 

14. Face of flie Country*—The country in general 
is flat, but in some districts is undulating, and in some 
places hilly. The elevation of the ridges, or table-land, 
between the rivers, docs not exceed from 200 to 250 
feet. 

15. Divisions.—By the Spaniards, Florida was divided 
into East and West Florida, separated by the river Appala- 
chicola. These names are retained in common use, thoixsfh 

Key West ? Pry Tortugas ? Tampa Bay ? Apalachee Bay ? 
Pensacola Bay? Capital? 

LESSON XLII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains! 3. Rivers t 







































STATE OF FLORIDA. 


79 


the political division has ceased to exist. The state is 
divided into counties, as follows; 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Town*. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Alachua. 2,.W4.Newmansville. . 

Benton. 926.Augusta. . 

Calhoun. 1,377.St. Joseph.. 

Columbia. 4.808.Alligator. . 

Dade. 1.59.Miami. . 

Duv.-il . 4,.539.Jacksonville. . 

Kscambia. 4,331.Pensacola. 2,000 

I runklin. 1..561.Appalachicola. . 

Cadst^len. 8,783...Quincy. 690 

Hamilton. 2,469.Jasper. . 

Hillsboro. 2,377.Tampa. . 

Holmes. 1,644.Cerro Gordo. . 

Jackson. 6,639.Mariana. . 

JeiTerson. 7,718.Moulicello. . 

Leon.11,442.Tallahassee. 2,500 

Levy. 465.WatMisassa. . 

Madison. 5,490.Madison. . 

Marion. 3,338.Ocola. . 

Monroe. 2,643.Key West-'. 500 3,000 

P<ass!tu.2,164.Nassau C. H. . 

Orange. 466.Meltonville. . 

Putnam. 687.Pilatki. . 

Santa Rosa.2,883.Milton. . 

St.John .. 2,525.St. Augustine. 2,459 2,993 

St. Lucie. 139. 

Wakulla. 1.955.Newport. . 

Walton. 1,379. Uchee Anna. . 

Washington. 1,950.Roche’s Bluff.. . 


16. Agriculture. —The greater portion of tne country 
is yet in a state of nature. The articles of culture are 
maize, sweet potatoes, rice, sugar-cane, tobacco, cotton, and 
indigo. The land in many places is well fitted for the cul¬ 
tivation of the sugar-cane. The olive flourishes and bears 
well. Of fruits, the orange, fig, peach, pomegranate, and 
lemon flourish. The cultivation of coffee and the date-palm 
has been introduced. 

17. 'Towns. —The largest is St. Augustine, an old 
Spanish town; and having been founded in 1564, is the 
oldest town in the United States. It stands on the Atlan¬ 
tic coast, and is regularly built, but the streets are very nar¬ 
row. The houses are constructed of a soft stone, formed by 
a concretion of shells, and are in the Spanish style. They 
are generally two stories high, with thick plastered walls, 
and have balconies and piazzas. Connected with most of 
them are beautiful gardens. The town is surrounded by a 
ditch, and fortified by bastions, and the castle of St. Mark. 
The soil in the neighborhood of St. Augustine is sandy, yet 
the country is beautiful, producing orange, lemon, and date 
trees. The climate here is delightful, and hence St. 
Augustine is resorted to as a winter residence for invalids 
afflicted with pulmonary complaints. Pensacola is the chief 
town in West Florida. It stands at the bottom of a large 
bay, and occupies a gentle acclivity. Here is a United 
States naval station. Tallahassee, in Middle Florida, is the 
seat of government, and has been incorporated as a city. 
St. Marks, on the Gulf, is a small seaport in the neighbor¬ 
hood. The village of Quincy, in the same quarter, but fur¬ 
ther inland, is a flourishing place. 

18. History—Annals. —The history of Florida pre¬ 
sents scenes of the highest and most romantic interest. It 
was seen by Cabot in 1497, but he did not land upon the 
coast. In 1512, Juan Ponce de Leon, a veteran Spanish 
soldier, and former governor of the island of Porto Rico, 
fitted out three ships, and proceeded northward on a voy¬ 
age of discovery. He went to the Bahamas, and afterward 

Lakes? 5. Everglades ? 6. Harbors and shores? 1. Islands? 

8. Springs? 9. Vegetable products ? 1.0. Animals ? 1.1.. Minerals ? 


to the coast, to which he gave the name of Florida, on ac¬ 
count of the blooming- appearance of the shrubs and trees. 
In this expedition, De Leon everywhere sought anxiously 
for a spring called the Fountain of Youth, said to have the 
power to remove age, and give back the vigor and fresh¬ 
ness of early life. Strange as it may appear, the belief in 
such a fountain existing in this quarter was general, even 
among learned men in Spain. De Leon explored the coasts 
of Florida from St. Augustine to the Tortugas, or Tortoise 
Islands, at the southern point. It need not be said that the 
chief object of his pursuit was not attained. He returned 
to Porto Rico, but revisited Florida a few years after. Be¬ 
coming involved in a conflict Avith the natives, many of his 
folloAvers Avere killed, and he AA-as himself mortally Avounded. 
In 1526, Phainphilio de NarA^aez Avas sent hither as gov¬ 
ernor of Florida, being accompanied Avith 300 men. He 
took formal possession in behalf of the king of Spain—the 
territory at that time including Florida and a strip along 
the Gulf, to the riA’er Penuco, in Mexico. Striking into the 
country in search of gold, Avhich then filled the dreams of 
the Spaniards, the adventurers Avandered for a long period 
through SAvamps and forests, being often attacked by the 
savages, who swarmed in these regions. Having lost one- 
third of their number, they reached the coast, near the bay 
of Apalachee, Avhere they built fiA-e boats, and embarked 
for the West Indies. Narvaez and nearly the whole creAV 
perished in a storm. Four of the party escaped, and, after 
wandering AA-estward, finally reached Mexico. The fate of 
Ferdinand de Soto, Avho visited this country in 1539, Avith 
a splendid retinue, Avas even more melancholy, but his his¬ 
tory must be reserved for our account of Louisiana. The 
French Protestants made settlements on the coast of Florida, 
near St. Augustine, the Spaniards haAnng abandoned the 
country. They called it Carolina, from their king, Charles 
IX. Both of these names were at first applied to the Avhole 
Atlantic coast, but in process of time became restricted to 
narrower limits. The Spaniards destroyed the French colony 
in 1564, under circumstances of great atrocity. They built 
St. Augustine in 1565, and afterAvard retained possession 
of the country. The colony was involved in Avars with 
Carolina in 1702, and with Georgia in 1740. In 1763, it Avas 
ceded to Great Britain, in exchange for Havana, in Cuba, 
Avhich had been captured by the English. In 1783, it was 
restored to Spain, by Avhom, in 1820, it Avas ceded to the 
United States. 

19. Seminole War.—Previous to this last event, the 
remnants of various tribes of Indians had collected here, 
under the name of Seminoles, or runaways. These became 
troublesome, and, incited by tAvo Englishmen, named Ar- 
buthnot and Amhrister, came to open war in 1818. Gen. 
Jackson, commander of the American forces, marched into 
Florida and subdued the savages, the tAvo Englishmen being 
executed, according to the verdict of a court-martial. In 
1835, the war Avas renewed, and continued till 1840. The 
savages, sheltered in the everglades, maintained the struggle 
Avith great pertinacity. Their chief, named Osceola, Avas 
taken, and died in 1838, in the hands of his captors. This 
contest cost the United States many valuable lives, and an 
expenditure of forty millions of dollars. Though conquered, 
the savages continued to be restive, and were finally re¬ 
moved to the Indian territory. Florida became a territory- 
in 1822, and in 1845 it Avas admitted into the Union. 


1.2. Climate ? 1.3. Soil? 1.^. Face of the country ? 1.5. Divisions ? 
1.8. Agriculture? 1.1. Towns? 1.8. History? 1.0. Seminole war ? 


























































































80 


STATE OF GEORGIA. 



Lesson XLIII... State of Georgia. 

1. Characteristics. —Georgia was settled at a later 
date than any other of the original thirteen states. 

2. Mountains. —In the northwestern part of the state 
there are some mountainous ridges, belonging to the Blue 
Ridge and Kittatinny chains, but these are of no great ex¬ 
tent. 

3. Rivers. —Georgia occupies a great inclined plane, 
sloping down from the Appalachian system to the Atlantic 
Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and discharging its waters 
into those basins. The Savannah, the Alatamaha, and the 
Ogeeclm flow into the former, and the Appalachicola into 
the latter. The Savannah forms the northeastern boundary, 
and empties itself into the Atlantic Ocean, after a course of 
about 600 miles. It is navigable for large vessels to Savan¬ 
nah, fifteen miles from the sea, and to Augusta, 250 miles, 
for steamboats of 150 tons. Beyond this there is boat 
navigation 150 miles. The Ogeechee has a course of 200 
miles. Sloops ascend forty miles, and large boats to Louis¬ 
ville. The Alatamaha is formed by the junction of the 
Oconee and Oakmulgee. The tide flows up twenty-five 

Exercises on the Map of Georgia.— Boundaries of Georgia ? 
Extent ? Z'oputation ? Population to the square mile ? Where is 
Cedar Point ? Where are the mountains of this state ? What river 
in the north ? What river between South Carolina and Georgia / 


miles, and large vessels go up to Darien, twelve miles. The 
Oconee and Oakmulgee have been ascended to Milledgeville 
and Macon, in steamboats; but the narigation of these 
rivers is partly carried on in large flat-bottomed rafts, on 
account of the shoals and rapids. The St. Mary's, which 
forms, in part, the boundary between Georgia and Florida, 
takes its rise in Okefenoco Swamp, and pursues a winding 
course to the sea. The tide flows up the river fifty miles, ' 
and its mouth forms a commodious harbor. The Chatta¬ 
hoochee and Flint rivers drain nearly all the western part of 
the state, and by their junction form the Appalachicola, 
which traverses Florida. The former rises in the Blue 
Ridge, and has a course of about 450 miles. Steamboats 
ascend to Columbus, 300 miles, and in these the produce 
of the upper counties is brought down. Flint River has 
a course of 300 miles, and is navigable for steamboats to 
Bainbridge, fifty miles. 

4. Coasts and Islands. —Georgia is bordered toward 
the sea by a range of small islands and marshy tracts, inter¬ 
sected by channels and rivulets, which are navigable for 
small vessels. These islands consist of a rich gray soil, 
called hummock land. In their natural state, they are cov- 

What river between Georgia and Alabama ? Describe the following: 
the Alatamaha ; the Satilla. Capital ? 

LESSON XLIII. 1. Characteristics of Georgia ? 2. Mount¬ 
ains ? 3. Rivers ? 4. Coasts and islands ? 5. Swamps ? 6. Min- 




































































STATE OF GEORGIA. 


81 


cred with forests of live-Ocak, pine, and hickory ; but under 
cultivation, they produce the best cotton in the world, called 
Sea-island cotton. 

5. Swamps. — Okefenoco Swamp lies in the southern 
part of this state, extending into Florida. It is a sort of 
marshy lake, about 180 miles in circumference, and during 
wet seasons has the appearance of an inland sea, with many 
islands. It abounds with alligators, snakes, and all sorts of 
reptiles, which, at certain seasons of the year, make an 
almost deafening noise in their singing. 

6. Miiieml Spring^s. —There are sulphureous springs 
in Butts county, called the Indian Springs, much resorted 
to for their efficacy in rheumatic and cutaneous disorders. 
The Madison Springs, twenty-five miles northwest of 
Athens, are chalybeate waters. . 

7. Curiosities. —In the northwestern extremity of the 
state, near the Tennessee River, is an eminence called B,ac- 
coon Mountain. On one of the precipitous sides of this 
mountain is a deep cavern, called Nicojack Cave. Its mouth 
is fifty feet high, and eiglity feet wide. It has been ex¬ 
plored for several miles, without coming to the end. The 
floor is covered with a stream of cool limpid water through 
its Avhole extent, and the cavern is accessible only in a canoe. 
Three miles within is a cataract, beyond which voyagers 
have not penetrated. The roof is a solid limestone rock, 
smooth and flat, and the cave is remarkably uniform in size 
throughout. 

8. Vegetable Products. —Georgia, still more than 
South Carolina, combines the productions of the tropics with 
those of more northern latitudes. The cereala, or bread 
grains, are cultivated in one part of the state, while the 
sugar-cane, olive, and orange, rice, indigo, and cotton, are 
raised in another. Tobacco is also produced. Corn and 
rice are the staples. Oak, pine, hickory, live-oak, and 
cedars are in the forests. 

9. Animals. —Among the native animals are alligators, 
poisonous serpents, deer, wild turkeys, and a great variety 
of tropical birds, reptiles, and insects. 

10. Minerals. —Copper and iron ore have been found, 
and gold is obtained in considerable quantities. 

11. Climate. —The northwestern part of Georgia is 
temperate and healthy. The low country, near the swamps, 
has its sickly season, during the months of July, August, 
and September, when the planters retire to the high pine- 
lands, or to the sea-islands. The high back country fur¬ 
nishes healthy and beautiful summer retreats. 

12. Soil. —This is generally good, being mostly alluvial. 
There are some pine-barrens and marshy tracts, the latter 
being devoted to the cultivation of rice. 

13. Face of tlie Country* —Like the Carolinas, 
Georgia consists of three zones, or belts: the flat maritime 
belt, 100 miles in breadth, much of which is daily flooded 
by the tides ; the sand-hill belt, or pine-barrens, extending 
inland to the lower falls of the rivers; and the hilly and 
mountainous tract. The latter is a broken, elevated region, 
rising to from 1200 to 2000 feet above the level of the sea. 

14. Divisions. —Georgia is divided into counties, viz.: 


Coantiea. 

Pop- in 1850. 

County Towui. 

Pop. in 1840. 

18S0. 

Appling. 





Baker. 





Baldwin.. 



. 2,095 

5,953, 

Bibb. 



.3,027 

Bryan. 





Bullock. 






Countiet Pop, in 1850. 

Burke.16,100. 

Butts. 6,4s8' 

Ciiiiuleii. 6,319 • 

Campbell. 7,232. 

Carroll. 9,357- 

Cass . 13,300. 

Chatham. 23,901- 

Chattooga. 6,815. 

Cherokee. 12,800- 

Clark.11,119. 

Cobb. 13,843. 

Columbia. 11,961. 

Coweta. 13,635. 

Crawford. 8,984. 

Dade. 2,680- 

Decatur. 8,202- 

De Kalb. 14,328- 

Dooly. 8,361. 

Early. 7,246 

Ethiigham. 3,864- 

Elbert. 12,9.59- 

Emanuel. 4,.577 

Fayette. 8,709. 

Floyd. 8,205 - 

Forsyth. 8,850- 

Frankliu. 11,513. 

Gilmer. 8,440- 

Glyun. 4,933- 

Gordon. 5,984- 

Greene. 13,068- 

Gwinuett. 11,257- 

llabersham. 8,895 

Hall. 8,713- 

Hancock. 11,578- 

Harris.14,72i. 

Heard. 6,923-- 

Henry. 14,726-- 

Houston. 16,450-- 

Irwin. 3,334-- 

Jackson. 9,768. 

Jasper. 11,486-- 

Jeflerson. 9,131-- 

Jones. 10,224-- 

Laureus. 6.442 - 

Lee. 6,659 ■ 

Liberty. 7,926-- 

Lincolu. 5,998-- 

Lowndes. 8,351 - 

Lumpkiu. 8,954. 

Macon. 7,052- 

Madison. 5,603-. 

Marion. 10,280.. 

M’lntosh. 6,028., 

Meriwether. 16,476-- 

Monroe. 16,985., 

Montgomery. 2,154., 

Morgan. 10,744., 

Murray. 14,433., 

Muscogee. 18,578., 

Newton. 13,296., 

Oglethorpe. 12,259., 

Paulding. 7,039., 

Pike. 14,305. 

Pulaski. 6,627., 

Putnam. 10,794., 

Rabun. 2,448., 

Randolph. 12,868.. 

Richmond. 16,246.. 

Scriven. 6,847.. 

Stewart. 16,027., 

Sumpter. 10,322., 

Talbot. 16,534.. 

Taliaferro. 5,146-, 

Tatnall. 3,227.. 

Telfair. 3,026., 

Thomas. 10,103., 

Troup. 16,879. 

Twiggs. 8,179. 

Union. 7,234. 

Upson. 9,424. 

Walker.13,109- 

W'alton. 10,821- 

Ware. 3,888. 

Warren. 12,425- 

Washington. 11,766- 

W'ayne. 1,499-- 

Wilkes.12,107- 

Wilkinson. 8j212. 


Cotmty Towns. Pop. in 1840 

• Waynesborough. . 

-Jackson. . 

- Jeffersonton. . 

- Campbellton. . 

-Carrollton. . 

-Cassville. . 



. .11,214 

.Summerville. 

. . . _ 

. Canton. 


. Watkinsville. 

.. . - 

. Marietta. 


• Appling. 


- Newnan. 


• Knoxville. 


• Trenton. 

. . . - 

■ Bainbridge. 

. . . - 

■ Decatur. 

. . , - 

■ Vienna. 

. . .- 

• Blakely. 


- Springfleld. 


Elberion. 


Swainsborough ••• 


• Fayetteville. 


■ Romo. 


Gumming. 




, Ellejay. 

... 300 

Brunswick. 


Calhoun. 

. - . - 

Greensborough. — 

... 763 

Lawrenceville. 


Clarksville. 


Gainesville. 


Sparta. 

... 600 

Hamilton. 


Franklin. 


M‘Donough . 


Perry. 


Irwinville. 




Monticello. 

. . . 

Louisville. 




Dublin. 


Starkville. 


Hinesville'. 


Lincolnton.- 


Frunklinville. 

... 200 

Troup ville. 


-Dahlonega. 


Lanier. 


Danielsville. 

. . .- 

Buena Vista. 




Greeneville. 


Forsyth. 


Mt. Vernon.- 


Madison. 


Springplace. 


Columbus. 

... 3,114 

Covington. 


Lexington. 


Van VVert.- 


Zebulon. 


Hawkinsville. 


Eatonton. 


Clayton..*..... 




Augusta. 


Sylvania. 






Americus. 


Talbotton. 


Crawfords ville. 


Reidsville. 


Jacksonville. 


-Thomasville. 


-Lagrange. 


Marion. 


. Blairsville. 


-Thomaston. 


.Lafayette. 


. Monroe. 


. Waresboro .. ..... 


. Warrenton. 


. Sandersville. 


Wayneville. 


-Washington. 


■ Irwinton. 



I8S0.. 


17,841 


15, Agriculture.—Rice and cotton are the staples oi 
agriculture, though tobacco, wheat, and maize are largely 
cultivated. Oranges, figs, pomegranates, dates, lemons, 
limes, citrons, pears, peaches, and grapes are among the 
fruits of the gardens. 


eral Sprmgs? 7. Curiosities? 8. Vegetable products? 9. Ani- country? 1.^. Divisions ? 1 l 5. Agriculture ? "LG. Manufactures ? 

mals? 1.0. Minerals? 1.1.. Climate ? 1.2. Soil? 1.3. Face of the [ 1.1. Ccmmerce ? 1.3. Lumbering ? 1.3. Mining? 2Q. Canals and 










































































































































































































































































































82 STATE OF ALABAMA. 


16. Manufactures. —Georgia has some manufactures 
of iron and cotton. The latter have been^ recently intro¬ 
duced, and are likely to increase. 

17. Commerce. —The commerce of this state is chiefly 
carried on by northern vessels, and consists of the exporta¬ 
tion of its agricultural products. 

18. L.eimt»cring. —This is carried on to some extent. 

19. Miuiiijf. —The mining operations are confined to 
copper, iron, and gold. The two last are carried on to a 
considerable extent. 

20. Canals and Railroads. —There are some useful 
canals; and railroads are becoming extensive. 

21. Educaliou. —The University of Georgia, at 
Athens, is a flourishing institution. The state has an aca¬ 
demic fund of $250,000, the proceeds of which are distrib¬ 
uted among the several academies, and a free-school fund 
of the same amount. There are also seminaries at Med¬ 
way, Oxford, Macon, Penfield, Montpelier, Lagrange, Tal- 
bolton, &c. Still, education is generally at a low ebb. 

22. Chief Towns. —The city of Savannah, on the 
river of the same name, fifteen miles from the ocean, is 
regularly laid out, with wide streets and squares, which are 
ornamented with the China tree. It is the chief commer¬ 
cial town of the state, and most of the imports and exports 
pass through this port. The entrance of the river is de¬ 
fended by two forts on Tybee Island, which lies at its 
mouth. The city of Augusta, the interior emporium of the 
state, stands on the Savannah, at the head of steamboat 
navigation. It receives immense quantities of cotton, to¬ 
bacco, and other produce, which is taken down the river to 
Savannah. Milledgeville, the capital, is pleasantly situated 
on the Oconee, at the head of steamboat navigation. Macon 
is a flourishing town on the Oakmulgee. Columbus is a 
thriving town at the Falls of the Chattahoochee, 430 miles 
from Appalachicola Bay. Steamboats run from here to 
New Orleans. Darien lies near the mouth of the Alata- 
maha, and Athens, on the Oconee, ninety miles northwest of 
Augusta. 

23. Slaves. —These constitute nearly one-half the pop¬ 
ulation. 

24. Indians. —This state was the site of several Indian 
tribes, or nations, at the time of the discovery of the coun¬ 
try. These had made some advances in civilization. In 
more modern times, the tribe of Cherokees, consisting of 
about 12,000 individuals, occupied the northern country, in 
connection with the Creek Indians, who extended into Ala¬ 
bama. Under the guidance of missionaries, the formej 
adopted the customs of civilized life. They had a regular 
republican government. New Echota was their seat of 
government, and here was a printing-press and newspaper, 
the alphabet having been invented by a native of the tribe. 
The fine lands of these Indians provoked the cupidity of 
the whites, and, after various difficulties, they were all re¬ 
moved to the Indian territory. 

25. History—Annals. —Georgia was the last settled 
of the Atlantic states. The charter under which the colony 
was founded was granted in 1732, by George II., in honor 
of whom it received its name. Savannah was settled in the 
following year, by a body of colonists under the direction 
of Gen. Oglethorpe. The country was repeatedly invaded, 

railroads? 21. Education? 22. Towns? 23, Slavery ? 24. In¬ 
dians? 25. History? 

Exercises on the Map of Alabama {see page 80).— Boun¬ 
daries of Alabama? Extent? Population? Population to the 
square milo? What river between Alabama and Georgia ? Describe 


about the year 1740, by the Spaniards, who were then in 
possession of Florida. In 1752, the proprietary govern¬ 
ment wds abolished, and Georgia became a royal colony. 
In 1763, the colony was extended southward from the 
Alatamaha to the St. Mary’s—the present boundary. 
Savannah was taken by the British in 1778, and evacuated 
in 1782. The present constitution of Georgia was formed 
in 1793, and amended in 1839. 

Lesson XLIV...State of Alabama. 

1. €liara.ctcristics. —Alabama is an extensive, fer¬ 
tile, and flourishing state. 

2. Mountains. —The northern part of the state con¬ 
tains the southern extremity of the Kittatinny chain, which 
enters it from the northwest angle of Georgia. It is here 
merely a range of broken, precipitous hills, in which rise 
the head branches of the river Mobile. 

3. Rivers. —The Gulf of Me.xico is the basin into 
which all the waters of this state, except a small portion in 
the north, are drained. The principal river is the Mobile, 
which receives the Alabama and other streams as tribu¬ 
taries, and terminates its course in the bay of the same 
name, through two principal mouths—the Tensaw and the 
Mobile. Sea-vessels go up to St. Stephens, on the Tom- 
bigbee, and to Claiborne, on the Alabama, and steamboats 
ascend to a considerable distance above. The Chatta¬ 
hoochee, on the eastern border, and the Tennessee, in the 
north, receive no considerable tributaries from Alabama. 
On the whole, the rivers of this state afibrd great facilities 
for internal steam navigation. 

4. Bay. —This state has only about sixty miles of sea- 
coast, in which is comprised Mobile Bay, or the estuary of 
the river Mobile. It extends about thirty miles inland, and 
communicates with Pascagoula Sound, by a shallow strait, 
through which steamboats and small sail-vessels are navi- 

O 

gated, by an inland chain of lakes and sounds, to New Or¬ 
leans. 

5. Natural Products. —The natural productions of 
the soil are similar to those of Georgia. 

6. Minerals. —Coal, salt, and iron are said to abound 
in the north, but they are not obtained to any extent. 
Gold is also found in small quantities. 

7. Climate. —The northern part has an elevation of 
2000 feet above the low maritime tract, producing a cor¬ 
responding diversity of climate in the two regions. But 
even in Northern Alabama, the rivers are rarely frozen 
over, and the southern part of the state can hardly be said 
to have a winter. The heats of summer in the latter sec¬ 
tion are allayed by the sea breezes, and the climate, in gen¬ 
eral, is healthy, except upon the low moist grounds. 

8. Soil. —Along the streams are tracts of very pro¬ 
ductive alluvion, bordering on interval or hummock land. 
The interval land is of inferior quality, and the pine-barrens, 
which comprise a large portion of the surface, are sterile. 

9. Face of the Country. —The surface in the north 
is mountainous and broken, and in the center undulating. 
As we approach nearer the sea, we find a belt of low, level 
land, from fifty to sixty miles in breadth, containing exten¬ 
sive swamps, and in many places subject to inundations. 

the following rivers: Alabama; Tombigbee. Capital of Alabama? 
Direction of the following places from Montgomery: St. Stephens ; 
Marion ; Pikeville; Decatur. 

IiESSON XLIV. 1. Characteristics of Alabama ? 2. Mount¬ 
ains? 3. Rivers? \.Bay? 5. Natural products? Q. Minerals? 











STATE OF ALABAMA. 


83 



Early tears o^he Spaniards with the Indians. 


10. Divisions. —Alabama is divided as follows: 


Ccunties. 

Benton. 

Blount-- 

Cherokee... 
Do Kalb ... 
Fayette .... 
Franklin ... 
Hancock ... 

Jackson .... 

Jefferson ... 
Lauderdale 
Lawrence .. 
Limestone. • 
Madison ... 

Marion. 

Marshall ... 
Morga^ .... 
St. Clair.... 
Walker .... 


Autauga ...< 
Baldwin.... 
Barbour. •... 

Bibb. 

Butler. 

Chambers.. 
Choctaw .... 

Clarke. 

Coffee. 

Conecuh ...■ 

Coosa. 

Covington .. 

Hale. 

Dallas.. 

Greene. 

Henry.. 

Lowndes.... 

Macon. 

Marengo .... 

Mobile. 

Monroe. 

Montgomery. 

Perry. 

Pickens. 

Pike.. 

Randolph ... 

Russell. 

Shelby.. 

Sumh;r.. 

Talladega.... 
Tallapoosa... 
Tuscaloosa .. 
Washington . 
Wilcox. 


NORTHERN DISTRICT. 

Pop. in 1850. County Towna. Pop. in 184(V 

. ..17,IG3.Jacksonville. . 

... 7,307.Blountsville. 400 

...13,884.Centre. . 

... 8,‘245.Lebanon.. 

... 9,681.Fayette Court House. - 

••• 19,010.Russellville. . 

... 1,542.Hancock C. H.. 

■••“.Ma.If. « 

... 8,989.Elyuj.. 

...17,172.P'lorence. 2,000 

... 15,258.....Moulton. . 

... 16,483..Athens... . 

... 26,427.Huntsville. 2,490 

... 7,833.Pikeville. . 

... 8,846.Warrenton. 100 

... 10,125.Somerville. 250 

... 6,829.Ashville. . 

... 5,124.Jasper. . 

SOUTHERN DISTRICT. 


15,023. 
4,414. 
2.3,632. 
9,909. 
10,836. 
23,960. 
8,389. 
9,786. 
5,940. 
9,322. 
14,543. 
3,045 
6,346. 
29,727. 
31,441. 
9,019. 
21,915. 
26,898. 
27,831. 
27,600. 
12,013. 
29,795. 
12,285. 
21,512. 
15,920. 
11,581.. 
19,548. 
9,536. 
22,250. 
18,624. 
15,584. 
18 056. 
2,713. 
17,352. 


Kingston. . 

Blakely. . 

Clayton. . 

Centreville.. 

Greenville. . 

Lafayette. . 

Butler. . 

Macon. . 

Wellborn. . 

Sparta. 100 

Rockford. . 

Andalusia. . 

Newton. — 

Cabawba. . 

Eutaw. . 

Abbeville. . 

Haymesville. . 


...Tuskegee. 500 

..Linden. . 

.. Mobile.12,672 

..Monroeville. . 

..Montgomery. 2,250 

...Marion. 1,000 

.'..Carrollton. . 

..Troy. 100 

.. Wedowee. . 

•. Crawford. — 

..•Columbiana.. . 

... Livingston. . 

..Talladega. 600 

. .Dadeville. . 

• •Tuscaloosa. 1,949 

.. St. Stephen’s. 200 

• • Camden. . 


1850. 


i 


20,513 


11 . Agfl’icultiire. —Cotton is the staple. Maize is the 
usual corn crop, but the smaller grains succeed in the cen¬ 
tral and northern parts. Tobacco, rice, and sugar are also 
produced. Tea is also cultivated, with promising success. 


12. Manufactures. —Cotton manufactures have been 
lately introduced with success. 

13. Commerce. —This consists chiefly in the exporta¬ 
tion of articles of domestic produce—cotton, beef and pork, 
and naval stores. Mobile is the chief port. 

14. Railroads and Canals. —There are several im¬ 
portant and useful works of this kind. 

15. Education. —The University of Alabama is a 
flourishing institution, founded at Tuscaloosa in 1828. La 
Orange Methodist College, near Florence, and a Catholic 
College in Mobile, are the other principal seminaries. There 
are a number of academies in the state, but common 
schools are neglected. 

16. Chief Towns. —The city of Mobile is the princi¬ 
pal town and great commercial depot of the state. Blakely, 
on the opposite side of Mobile Bay, has a harbor easier of 
access than that of Mobile. St. Stephens, on the Tom- 
bigbee, and Cakawba, on the Alabama, are small villages. 
Tuscaloosa, in the center of the state, on the Black War¬ 
rior, was the capital, but the seat of government has lately 
been transferred to Montgomery, on the Alabama river, 
which is a place of considerable trade. In the northern 
part of the state are Huntsville and Florence, on the Ten¬ 
nessee. These are flourishing towns, with an active trade. 

17. Indians. —The Choctaws, amounting to about 
16,000 souls, formerly residing partly in Alabama, and 
partly in Mississippi, and the Creeks, about 20,000 in num¬ 
ber, partly in this state, and partly in Georgia, have re¬ 
moved to the Indian territory. These, with tlie Cherokees 
and others, were formerly populous and powerful in this 
region. 

18. History—Annals.— The southern portion of this 
state was early deemed a part of Florida, and here some of 
the adventures of Narvaez and De Soto took place. The 
north belonged to the English, and was a part of Georgia. 
Some inconsiderable French settlements were made at Mbbile 
early in the eighteenth century. The country was afterward 
comprised wdthin the limits of the colony of Georgia. In 
1802, that state ceded her lands west of the Chattahoochee to 
the United States; and in 1817, Alabama-was separated 
from Mississippi, and erected into a territorial government. 
In 1820, it was admitted into the Union as a state. 


7. Climate? 8. Soil? 9. Face of the country ? 10. Divisions? 
W. Agriculture? 1.2. Manufactures? 12. Commerce? 1^. Rail¬ 


roads and canals? 15. Education? 16. Chief towns? 17. In¬ 
dians ? 18. History ? 


















































































































































































C3 


84 

Lesson XLV... State of Missis¬ 
sippi. 

1. Characteristics. — This is a 
new and thriving state, chiefly devoted 
to the raising of cotton. 

2. Moiuitaias. — There are no 
mountains in this state. 

3. Rivers. —The Mississippi wash¬ 
es the western border of the state, 
and receives the Yazoo, the Big Black, 
and the Homockitto from the east. 

The Jazoo rises in the northern part 
of tlie state, and has a course of about 
250 miles. The Tombighee flows from 
the northeastern corner of the state into 
Alabama. The Pascagoula, which rises 
in the eastern part, and runs into the 
bay of the same name, after a course 
of 260 miles, is navigable for small 
vessels. The Pearl has its sources in 
the center of the state, and, taking 
a southerly course, empties between 
Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. Its 
navigation is impeded by rafts, shal¬ 
lows, and sand-bars. 

4. Cake. — Lake Borgne lies part¬ 
ly in Mississippi, but principally in 
Louisiana. 

5. Bays. — Pascagoula Bay, or 
rather Sound, is fifty-five miles in 
length, by eight in width, with from 
ten to eiofhteen feet of water. It com- 

O , 

municates with Mobile Bay, and is sep¬ 
arated from the Gulf of Mexico by a 
chain of low, narrow, sandy islands. 

6. Islands. — Ship Island, Cat 

Island, and Horn Island are sterile banks of sand. 

7. Vegetable Protlucts. —The native trees most 
commonly occurring are the pine, various species of oak, 
and hickory, black-walnut, beech, persimmon, and locust. 
The buckeye, which in the valley of the Ohio is a forest 
tree, is here a dwarf; dogwood and paw'paw are also com¬ 
mon ; but the cane, which formerly abounded, has in a 
great measure disappeared. 

8. Animals. —The alligator grows to a great size, and 
abounds in the rivers. Bears, deer, and wild turkeys are 
common in the Avooded districts. 

9. Climate. —The winters are several degrees colder 
than in the Atlantic states of the same latitude, and rarely 
pass without snow. The summers are long and hot, and 
long droughts often succeechexcessive and protracted rains. 
Along the riv'ers and stagnant waters it is unhealthy, but 
the settled districts are in general salubrious, though even 
in these, bilious complaints prevail in autumn. 

10. Soil. —The greater portion of the soil is highly fer¬ 
tile ; the southwestern counties contain large tracts of 
excellent land, and the rivers throughout the state are 
skirted by belts of a very productive soil. The bluff lands 
along the rivers are the richest, and the river alluvions are 

Exercises on the Map of Mississippi.— Extent ? Bounda¬ 
ries ? Population? Describe the following rivers: Pearl; Leaf; 
Yazoo ; Big Black. Capital of Mississippi ? Direction of the fol¬ 
lowing places from Jackson: Vicksburg; Natchez; Shieldsborouyh? 


STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 


Extent of Mississippi, 47,156 square miles.—Pop. in 1850, 606,555. 





Extent of Louisiana, 46,411 square miles.—Pop. in 1850, 511,974. 


next in point of fertility. Pine barrens cover a con¬ 
siderable part of the state. 

11, Face of the Country. —The surface in general 
slopes to the southwest and to the south, as appears by 
the course of the riv^ers. There are no mountains, but 
numerous ranges of hills of moderate elevation give to a 
great part of the surface an undulating and diversified 
character. The western border, along the Mississippi, is 
an extensive region of swamps, inundated by the river, 
though there are occasional bluff’s ; between the Mississippi 
and the Yazoo, there is a large tract annually overflowed by 
the former. The southeastern counties are low, but waving ; 
and on the shore of this state, the coast of the Gulf of 
Mexico, which further west is marshy, first begins to 
appear solid, dry, and covered with pines. 

12. Divisions.— Mississippi is divided as follows: 

NORTHERN DISTRICT. 

D. I85C 


Counties. 

Fop. in 1850. 

County Seats. 

Pop. 






. 18.491. 
















. . 



Itawamba.... 

. i;vvJ8 . 

.Fuitou. 



400 


LESSON XLV. 1. Characteristics of Mississippi ? 2. Mount¬ 
ains? 3. Rivers? 4. Lake? 5. Bays? 6. Islands? 7. Vege¬ 
table products ? 8. jinitnals ? 9. Climate? 10. Soil? 11. Face 

of the country? 12. Divisions? 13. Agriculture? 14. Mantis 
























































































STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 


85 


Counties. 


Pop. in 1850. 


County Seats. 


Pop. in 1840. 


I860. 

9,312 


5,239 


4,211 


Lowndes. 19,544.Columbus. 4,000 

Marshall. 29.089.Holly Springs. . 

Monroe. 21.172.Aberdeen. — 

Noxubee. 10,299.Macon. . 

Octibbeha. 9,171 .Starkville. . 

Panola. 11,441.Panola. 100 

Pontotoc. 17,112.Pontotoc. 500 

Tallahatchie. 4,043. Charleston. . 

Tippah. 20,741.Ripley. 150 

Tishamingo. 15,490.Jacinto. . 

Tunica. 1,314.Commerce. . 

Winston. 7,950.Louisville. 175 

Yalabusha. 17,258.Coffeeville. . 

SOUTHERN DISTRICT. 

Adams..... 18,622.Natchez. 4,800 

Amite.....'. 9.094.Liberty. . 

Claiborne.14,941.Port Gibson. 400 

Clarke. 5,477.Quitman. 75 

Copiah. 11,(94.Gallatin. . 

Covington. 3,338.Williamsburg. . 

Franklin. 5,904.Meadville. . 

Greene. 2,018.Leakeville. . 

Hancock. 3,672.Shieldsborough. 100 

IhuTison. 4,875.Mississippi City. . 

Hinds. 25,340.Raymond. 400 

Holmes. 13,9ffi.Lexington. . 

Issaquena. 4,478.Tallula. .. 

Jackson. 3,196.Jackson Court House .. - 

Jasper. 6,184.Paulding. . 

Jefferson. 13,193.Fayette. . 

Jones. 2,104.Eliisvilic. . 

Kemper. 12,517.De Kalb. .. 

Lauderdale. 8,717.Marion. . 

Lawrence. 6,478.Mouticello. . 

Leake. 5,533.Carthage. . 

Madison. 18,173.Canton. . 

Marion. 4,410.Columbia. . 

Neshoba. 4,728.Philadelphia. . 

Newton. 4,465.Decatur-.. . . 

Perry. 2,438.Augusta. . 

Pike. 7,300.Holmesville. . 

Rankin. 7,227.Brandon. . 

Scott. 3,961.Hillsborough. . 

Simpson. 4,734.Westville. 100 

Smith. 4,071.Raleigh. 50 

Sunflower. 1,102.McNutt. . 

Warren.. 18,121...Vicksburg. 3,104 

Washington. 8,:189.Greenville. 250 

Wayne. 2,892 .Winchester. 50 

Wilkinson.16,914.Woodville. 800 

Yazoo.14,418.Benton. 400 

13. Agriculture.—Cotton is the staple of this state. 
Little else is thought worthy of attention. Sugar-cane has 
been introduced only in the southern part. Both the cli¬ 
mate and soil are adapted to the cultivation of tobacco, 
maize, sweet potatoes, rice, and indigo. The castor-oil bean 
thrives. The peach and fig are the common fruits, and 
apples are cultivated to advantage in some parts. Lumber 
is extensively taken from the forests. 

14. Manufiictiires.—These are in their infancy, and 
are of small extent, but are likely to increase. 

15. Commerce.—This consists chiefly of the ex¬ 
ports of cotton and other products. Vicksburg has consid¬ 
erable trade, and some ships engaged in foreign commerce. 

16. Canals and Railroads.—The state has some 
inconsiderable railroads and canals. 

17. Education .—Jefferson College, at Washington, 
near Natchez, is in part a military institution. There are 
also colleges at Oakland and Clinton. The state has a 
literary fund, and there are several flourishing academies, 
but no system of primary education has been established. 

18. Towns .—Natchez is the oldest town in the 
state. It stands principally on a bluff, or high bank upon 
the Mississippi, 320 miles above New Orleans, and 300 
feet above the common level of the stream. The streets 
are broad, and some of the public buildings are harid- 

fcLclures? 15. Comttierce? 16. Canals and Jtailroads ? 17. Edu¬ 

cation? 18. Towns? 19. Indians? 20. History? 

Exercises on the Map of Louisiana.—[See p. 84.] Ex¬ 
tent of Louisiana? Boundaries? Population? Where are the fol¬ 
lowing : Ijake Pontchartrain ; Borgne ; Chandeleur Isles ; Atchafa- 
laya Bay? Describe the CaJeasiu River; the Washita. In what 


some. The business is mostly confined to the lower town, 
and this is the chief place in the state for the shipment of 
cotton. Great numbers of steamboats and river craft are 
continually arriving and departing. In the rear of the 
town, the country is variegated and delightful, and the 
hills are clothed with woods and vineyards. The opposite 
bank of the river in Louisiana is a vast cypress swamp. 
Jackson, on Pearl River, is the seat of government. Vicks¬ 
burg, on the elevated banks of the Mississippi, has grown 
up within a few years. It has a considerable trade ; it is 
a stopping-place for numerous steamboats, and vessels from 
here carry on foreign trade. It has a remarkably pic¬ 
turesque situation, being seated on the shelving side of 
several high hills, with the houses scattered about in groups 
upon the terraces. 

19. Indians, &c.—The Choctaws and Chickasaws, 
who till lately occupied the northern half of the state, have 
removed to the Indian district west of the Mississippi. Near¬ 
ly one-half of the population of this state are negro slaves. 

20. History* —This portion of the country early formed 
a part of French Louisiana, and in 1716 a French fort was 
built at Natchez. The Natchez tribe of Indians was nu¬ 
merous, and the French missionaries took pains to con¬ 
vert them to Christianity, but the savages destroyed the 
colony. The right to the Mississippi territory was dis¬ 
puted between the French and Spaniards, and afterward 
between the French and English. In 1763 it Avas ceded to 
Great Britain, and in 1783 fell to Spain as part of Florida. 
In 1798, that power relinquished it to the United States; 
and in 1801, the country comprising the present states of 
Alabama and Mississippi was formed into a territory. In 
1817 the latter was admitted into the Union as an inde¬ 
pendent state. 

Lesson XLVI... State of Louisiana. 

1. Characteristics.—Louisiana Avas originally settled 
by the French, and is now noted as a sugar-growing state. 

2. Rivers. —The Mississippi traverses this state from 
north to south, and passes to the sea through several out¬ 
lets, affording navigation for ships of any size. The Red 
River, Avhich rises in the Rocky Mountains in the north¬ 
ern part of the Mexican States, enters the nortliAvestern 
corner of Louisiana, and joins the Mississippi 250 miles 
aboA’e Ncav Orleans, after a course of 2000 miles. The 
volume of its waters does not correspond Avith the length 
of its course, and, in common Avith the Arkansas, it par¬ 
takes in some measure the character of a river of the des¬ 
ert. Soon after entering Louisiana, the stream divides into 
numerous channels, over an alluvial tract of seA^enty miles 
in length by eight or ten in Avidth, and forms a maze of 
interlocking Avater-courses, separated by islands overgroAvn 
Avith thickets. The bed of the river Avas here choked up 
for the distance of 150 miles by fallen trees, forming what 
is called the Raft, most of which has lately been removed. 
The river is navigable, in some seasons, for steamboats 
1000 miles above this place. The Washita rises among the 
Ozark Mountains in Arkansas, and joins the Red River 
near its mouth. The Atchafalaya receives seA’eral bayous 

direction does the Red River run ? Where does it empty ? Capital 
of Louisiana ? Direction of the following places from Baton Rouge : 
La Fayette; Alexandria; Natchitoches; Shreveport ? What river 
separates Louisiana from Texas ? 

LE.SSON XLVI. 1. Characteristics of Louisiana ? 2. Riv¬ 
ers ? 3. Lakes ? 4. Shores, inlets, etc. ? 5. Islands ? 6. Vegeta- 









































































































































































86 


STATE OF LOUISIANA. 


or outlets from the Red River and the Mississippi, and 
empties itself into the bay of the same name. A raft, 
formed in the bed of this river by the accumulation of 
floating trees and mud, obstructs its navigation. The Teche, 
■which rises in the prairies of Opelousas, joins the Atcha- 
falaya on the western side ; vessels of seven feet draught 
ascend it to New Iberia, above 100 miles. The Plaquemim 
and Lafourche are mouths of the Mississippi. The Iber¬ 
ville is the upper mouth of that stream on the left, and 
joins the Amite at Galveston, from which place it is navi¬ 
gable for sloops. The Sabine rises in the Mexican prov¬ 
inces, and formed the western boundary of the United States 
prior to the annexation of Texas. 

3. Lakes.—In the northwestern part of the state there 
is a series of lakes, formed in the valley of the Red River 
by the overflowing of that stream. When the water is high, 
it sets back and fills these reservoirs, which are nearly 
drained again during the dry season. Similar appearances 
are presented along the Mississippi and its outlets. Lakes 
Maurepas and Pontchartrain are shallow bodies of water, 
connected with each other, and with Lake Borgne, by nar¬ 
row channels. Lake Pontchartrain is forty-five miles in 
length, with a mean breadth of about twelve miles. Lakes 
Sabine, Calcasiu, and Mermentau, are similar sheets of 
water, formed by the expanding of the rivers of the same 
n-ames. The term lagoon is a more appropriate designation 
of these bodies of water. 

4. Shores, Iialcts, Ac. —The shores of the Gulf of 
Mexico are here generally low, and bordered by wide marshes. 
The whole coast is intersected by a chain of bays and 
inlets, connected with each other by a thousand tortuoiis 
channels, generally shallow, and of difficult navigation. 
Vermilion, Cote Blanche, Barataria, and Atchafalaya Bays 
are the largest, but are of little service for shipping. What 
is called Lake Borgne is properly a bay, communicating 
with Lake Pontchartrain by the straits or passes of the 
Rigolets and Chef Menteur. It is important as affording 
an inland navigation to New Orleans. 

5. Islands.— The Chandeleur Islands lie on the east¬ 
ern coast. They are little more than heaps of sand cov¬ 
ered Avith pine forests, yet some of them are cultivated. 
West of the Mississippi are many others, scattered along 
the coast. Here is the island of Barataria, formerly noted 
fVS the resort of pirates; it lies in a bay which receives the 
Avaters of a lake of the same name. The soil of these 
islands is generally rich. They are covered with thick 

^(groves of li\'e-oak and other trees, and harbor multitudes 
of deer, turkeys, and other Avild game. Most of them are 
loAv and level, but others rise from the flat surface around 
them, in abrupt eminences of 100 feet in hight. There 
are some very fertile islands in the Mississippi. 

6. Vegetable Products.— The pine, live-oak, cotton¬ 
wood, hickory, and oak, are among the forest trees. In 
some places the timber is very heaA’^y, Avith impenetrable 
thickets of cane and shrubbery. The cotton-plant groAvs 
six feet high, Avith stalks as large as a man’s arm. It bears 
large, yelloAvish blossoms, presenting a brilliant appearance. 
The cotton is formed from the cup of the flower, and is the 
down Avhich enA'elops the seed. 

7. Animals. —The alligator abounds in the lakes and 
bayous. Deer, panthers, wild turkeys, and immense quanti¬ 
ties of sea-foAvl are found in different parts. Parroquets, 
humming-birds, and A'arious birds of rich plumage enliven 

bte products? 7. Animals? 8. Climate? 9. Soil? 10. Face [ 


the forests. The inspiring song of the mocking-bird is 
heard in almost every thicket. 

8. Climate. —What has been said of the climate of 
Mississippi is, in general, applicable to that of this state. 
In the loAv and Avet districts the summers are unhealthy, 
and these parts are often visited by the yellow fever ; but 
a large part of the state is healthy. The climate in Avinter 
is more seA^ere than in the same latitude on the Atlantic 
coast, and the streams and ponds are sometimes frozen 
over. In the southern parts, hoAvever, it is very mild. 

9. Soil.— A great part of the surface of this state is 
periodically overflowed by the Avaters of the Mississippi. 
This immense alluvial tract embraces soil of various de- 
sci'iptions, Avhich may be arranged into four classes. The 
first, which is thought to embrace tAvo-thirds of the 
Avhole, is covered Avith heavy timber, and an almost impen¬ 
etrable undergrowth of cane and other shrubbery. This 
portion is quickly drained as the river retires into its natu¬ 
ral channels ; it has a soil of the greatest fertility. The 
second class consists of cypress SAvamps. These are basins, 
or depressions of the surface, from Avhich there is no natu¬ 
ral outlet, and Avhich, being filled Avith Avater by tlie floods, 
remain covered Avith it until the Avater is evaporated or 
absorbed by the earth. These, by draining, might become 
excellent rice-fields. The third class embraces tlie sea- 
marsh, a belt of Ijjid partially covered by common tides, 
and subject to inundation from the high Avaters of tlie Gulf 
during the equinoctial gales ; it is generally Avithout timber. 
The soil in some parts is clayey, and in others, as black as 
ink, and cracks by the heat of the sun into fissures Avide 
enough to admit a man’s arm. The fourth class consists 
of small bodies of prairie lands, dispersed in different parts 
of the alluvial territory. These spots are elevated, and 
Avithout timber, but of great fertility. The pine Avoods have 
generally a poor soil. The interi^al lands upon the rivers, 
or bottoms, as they are uniA'ersally termed in the Western 
States, are almost always rich. On the Red Riv-er, the soil 
includes a portion of salt, and is of a dark-red color, from 
its containing oxide of iron. A proportion of the larger 
prairies are second-rate land, and some of them are sterile. 
The richest ti'act in the state is a narroAv belt called the 
Coast, lying along the Mississippi on both sides, and extend¬ 
ing from 150 miles above NeAv Orleans to forty miles below. 
It is from one to two miles Avide, and lies beloAv the level 
of the river in ordinary inundations. It is defended from 
the riA'er by a dike or levee, six or eight feet in hight, and 
sufficiently Avide for a higliAvay. The Avhole of this tract is 
under cultivation, and produces the richest crops of sugar. 
The levee is liable to break aAvay, and great damage is 
sometimes done by the flooding of the country. A break 
in the levee is called a crevasse. 

10. Face of the Country. — This state has no 
mountains. The land is low, and in general level, Avith 
some hilly ranges, of little elevation, in the AA^estern part, 
and numerous basins or depressions of the soil. The great 
Delta of the Mississippi, amounting to one-fourth part of 
the state, has, in general, an elevation of not more than 
ten feet above the Gulf, and is annually inundated by the 
spring floods. A great part of the delta is composed of 
sea-marsh, Avhich also forms the whole southern coast to 
the Sabine, and Avhich, through its Avhole extent, is subject 
to inundations by the high tides. North of this marsh 
spreads out the vast level of the prairies, Avhich is but 

of the country? 11. Divisions? 12. Agriculture? 13. Com- 






















STATE OF LOUISIANA. 


87 


slightly elevated above the former. The -western margin of 
the Mississippi, to the northern border of the state, is a low 
strip, intersected with numerous river channels, and over¬ 
flowed by the spring floods. To the west of this belt, and 
north of the prairies, is an extensive region considerably 
broken, but nowhere exceeding 200 feet in elevation. The 
section north of the Iberville and Lake Pontchartrain, and 
east of the Mississippi, is principally covered with pine. 

11. Divisions.—Louisiana is subdivided into parishes: 

Parishes. Fop. in 1850. Seats of Justice. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Ascension. 10,752.Donaldsonville. 1,000 

Assumption. 10,538.Napoleonville. . 

Avoyelles. 9.-326.Murksville. —- 

Baton Rouge, E. 11,977.Baton Rouge. 2,500 

Baton Rouge, W. .Baton Rouge C. H... - 

Biernville. 5,539.Mount Lebtinon. . 

Bossier. 6,902.Belleview. . 

Caddo. 8,884.Sh re veport. . 

Calciissieu. 3,914.Marion. . 

Caldwell. .Columbia. . 

Carroll. 8,789 .Providence. . 

Catahoula. 6,982.Harrisonburg. . 

Claiborne. 7,471.Minden. — 

Concordia. 7,758 .Vidalia. . 

De Solo. 8,019.Mansfield.. 

Feliciaiiii, E. 13,598.Clinton. 

Feliciana, . 13,245.St. Francisville .., 

Franklin. 3,251.Winnsborough. . 

Iberville. 12,214.Plaquemines. . 

Jackson. 5,566.Vernon. . 

Jelferstm. 25,091.Lafayette. 3,207 

Ltifayette. 6,720.Vermilionville. 250 

Lafourche Interior... 9,533.Thibodeauxville. 1,000 

Livingston. 3,385.Springfield. . 

Madison. 8,773.Richmond. . 

Morehouse. 3,913.Bastrop. . 

Natchitoches. 14,201.Natchitoches. 2,000 

Orleans.119,461.New Orleans.102,193 119,285 

Ouchita.. 5,008.Monroe. . 

Piaqiieinine. 7,-390.Point a la Hache.... - 

Point Coup6e. 11,339.Morgansia. . 

Rapides. 16,561..Alexandria. 500 

Sabine. 4,515.Many. . 

St. Bernard. 3,802.Terre aux Bceufs .... - 


932 

814 


St. Charles.* 5,120.St. Charles C. H. 

St. Helena. 4,561.Greensburg. . 

St. James. 11,098.Bringiers. . 

St. John Baptist. 7,317.Bonnet Carr6. . 

St. Landry. 22,253.Opelousas. 1,500 

St. Martin’s. 11,107.St. Martinsville. 200 

St. Mary’s. 8,808.Franklin. 500 

St. Tammany. 6,364.Covington. . 

Tensiis. 9,040.gt. Joseph. . 

Terre Bonne. 7,724.Houma. . 

Union. 8,203.Farmersville.. 

Vermilion. 3,409.Lafayette. 

Washington. 3,408...Franklinton. 50 


12. Agriculture.—Sugar and cotton are the staples 
of the country. The sugar-cane is raised chiefly on that 
tract of the river alluvion called the Coast, and upon the 
shores of the Gulf, and some of the bayous. It is planted 
in cuttings, or slips, and is cultivated nearly in the same 
way as maize. The rows are six feet apart. The soil 
should be of the richest quality, and a foot in depth. 
There are four varieties of cane—the African, Otaheitan, 
West Indian, and Ribbon Cane. The last is a new variety, 
and its stalk is marked with parallel stripes. It ripens 
some weeks earlier than the other kinds, and will flourish 
farther north. After the cane is cut, it lies a few days to 
ferment, and is then passed through iron rollers, which 
press out the juice : this is evaporated by boiling, and the 
sugar crystallizes. Rice and sugar succeed only in the 
southern part of the state ; but cotton, maize, tobacco, and 
indigo thrive in all parts. Of fruit trees, the peach, fig, 
and orange are most generally cultivated ; but the latter 
are often killed by the frost. Cattle and mules are exten¬ 
sively bred on the prairies. Agriculture, as a science, is 
in its infancy, and the labor is performed by slaves. 


merce l 14. Manufactures i 15. Canals and railroads i 16. Ed- 


13. Commerce.— All the commerce of the state cen¬ 
ters at New Orleans, and it is chiefly transacted by vessels 
belonging to other parts of the country. The exported 
articles of domestic produce include all the agricultural 
and manufactured productions of the valley of the Missis¬ 
sippi ; but sugar and cotton are the most important. 

14. Manufactures. —These are of small extent. 

15. Canals and Railroads. — These are incon¬ 
siderable in cost and extent, but they are of importance 
from their utility. 

16. Education. —There is a Roman Catholic and a 
Medical College in New Orleans ; the College of Louisiana, 
at Jackson, and Franklin College, at Opelousas, are the 
principal seminaries. There are colleges also at Grand 
Coteau, Baton Rouge, &c. There are numerous academies, 
and common school education receives efficient support 
from the government. 

lY. Chief Towns.— The city of New Orleans stands 
on the left bank of the Mississippi, 105 miles from its 
mouth. From its form, as it lies on the bend of the river. 



Plan of J^eto Orleans* 

it is sometimes called the Crescent City. When the nver 
is full, the surface of the water is from two to four feet 
above the streets ; at low water it is rather below the front 
street, but is above the swamps in the rear. To prevent 
inundation, a levee, or embankment, runs along the river. 
The city is regularly laid out, with the streets intersecting 
each other at right angles. Above the city proper are the 
faubourgs, or suburbs, of St. Marie and Annunciation ; 
below are Marigny, Franklin, and Washington. A series 
of works has been undertaken for draining, raising, and 
cleansing the city, which render it less unhealthy than it 
has heretofore been. The public, buildings are not remark¬ 
able either for size or architecture, but many fine stores and 
valuable edifices have been lately erected. The St. Charles 
Hotel is very handsome. The spot on which the city is built, 
although the most eligible which the banks of the river 
afford in this quarter, has great disadvantages. The ground 
is soft and marshy, and there are no cellars to any of the 
buildings. As a place of trade. New Orleans has immense 
advantages. It is the outlet for all the commerce of the 
Mississippi and its tributaries. It is accessible for ships of 
the largest size, and its levee is constantly crowded with 

ucationf 17. Chief towns f 18. Inhabitants? 19. Narvaez? 
































































































































































STATE OF LOUISIANA. 


The Levee, New Orleans. 


all kinds of maritime and river craft. In the cotton season, 
its streets are barricadoed with bales. There are hundreds 
of flat-boats in the harbor at a time. Steamboats arrive 
and depart constantly, and hundreds may be often seen 
together. The levee, or quay, extends for four miles along 
the bank of the river, and presents an unexampled scene 
of activity. The quantity of merchandise, of all kinds, 
displayed here, is immense. This city was in the possession 
of the Spanish and French before it came into the posses¬ 
sion of the United States, and it now exhibits a striking 
mixture and contrast of manners, language, and complex¬ 
ions. Emigrants from every part of Europe and America 
are mingled with the descendants of the original F rench and 
Spanish settlers. Sailors from every climate, merchants 
and traders from the north and south, and east and west, 
are seen upon the levee and in the streets. The city for¬ 
merly suflered from this mixed population, but in every re¬ 
spect it has greatly improved. It has excellent schools, and, 
in winter, the fine climate draws hither a great many per¬ 
sons fi-om the northern states, in search of health or pleasure. 
The city has something of the gayety of Paris, in the hab¬ 
its of the people. Notwithstanding tjie insalubrity qf the 
place, it has rapidly increased in population, wealth, and 
commerce. Baton Rouge, fifty miles above New Orleans, 
is a pretty village, with houses in the French and Spanish 
style, and contains a military post and an arsenal of the 
United States. It is on the lowest highland, or bluff point, 
in descending the river. It became the capital of the state 
in 1848. Alexandria, on Red River, 150 miles from the 
lilississippi by the Avindings of the stream, is a pleasant 
village, in the center of a rich cotton district. Natchitoches, 
eighty miles above, at the head of steam na\dgation, was 
long a frontier toAvn of the United States toward the 
Mexican territories, and is more than a century old. The 
population is a mixture of Indian, Spanish, French, and 
American. It has been under the rule of all these powers, 
and has had its Avar-dances, fandangoes, French balls, and | 


backwoodsmen’s frolics. A fcAv miles Avest of Natchi¬ 
toches, is the ancient toAvn of Adaves, founded by the 
Spaniards, and exhibiting the most complete specimen of 
an old Spanish toAvn in the country. It consists of houses 
a hundred years old, and a little old church, decorated 
Avith coarse paintings. The inhabitants are all Spanish. 
It is about twenty-five miles from the Texan frontier. 
Madisonville, near the northern shore of Lake Pontchar- 
train, stands on a healthy spot, and is a summer residence 
for the people of New Orleans. 02)elousas and St. Mar¬ 
tinsville, Avest of the ]\Iississippi, are thriving settlements, 
surrounded by a fertile and Avell-cultiAmted district. Shreve¬ 
port, Donaldsonville, Plaquemine; and St. Francisville, are 
groAving tOAvns. 

18. Inhabitants. —Louisiana, having been first settled 
by the French, has a large French population. There are 
also a considerable number of Spaniards. One portion of 
NeAV Orleans is mainly inhabited by French people. An¬ 
other portion contains many Spaniards. Formerly, these 
were reluctant to mingle with the American population, 
but this state of things is rapidly changing. The laAvs of 
the state are published both in French and English. There 
are also French newspapers at NeAV Orleans. Nearly half 
the population of Louisiana are negro slaves. 

19. History—Narvaez. —Louisiana Avas first discov¬ 
ered by some of the followers of the Spanish adventurer, 
Narvaez. He landed in Florida in 1528, with 300 men ; 
but they all perished except four, who W'andered through 
Louisiana and Texas, and finally reached Mexico. No ac¬ 
count of the countries these men passed through was pre¬ 
served, though they must have crossed the Mississippi, 
near its mouth. 

20. He Soto. —Ferdinand de Soto, not discouraged by 
the melancholy fate of Narvaez, applied to the Emperor of 
Spain, and obtained permission to undertake the conquest 
of Florida. In 1539, he anchored in Tampa Bay Avith 600 
men in complete armor ; 200 of these Avere mounted. 
















































































































STATE OF LOUISIANA. 


80 


I 



General View of New Orleans. 


They had ample stores of food, and a stock of 300 swine, 
which were driven before the expedition in tln-ir long 
and tedious wanderinsfs. Directinir their course north and 
w^est, the adventurers passed through the nortliern part of 
Georgia, occupied by the Cherokees. Proceeding into the 
present teiTitory of Alabama, they fouglrt a terrible battle 
with the Indians, in which several thousand of the latter 
were killed. Passing still westward, they reached the 
country of the Chickasaws, on the banks of the Yazoo. 
Here they were attacked by the Indians at night, and sev¬ 
eral Spaniards were killed. It will be interesting to notice, 
in detail, some of the incidents which attended this remark¬ 
able expedition. At one time, as the Spaniards were suf¬ 
fering from famine and fatigue, they came to the territories 
of a queen called Cofachiqui. Being apprised of the ap¬ 
proach of the strangers, she w^ent out to meet them, attend¬ 
ed by eight noble ladies and a great retinue of magistrates 
and attendants. She crossed the river in two canoes, and 
approached the Spaniards, who were drawn up on the bank, 
with great pomp. She took a string of pearls, xvound 
three times around her body, and presented it to De Soto. 
She then caused a raft to be built, by which the Spaniards 
were taken across the river to the town on the opposite 
bank. Here they were feasted beneath lofty arbors of 
green boughs. They were also furnished with 600 bushels 
of corn. The wealth of this region appears to have been 
great. From the tombs beneath some temples in the vi¬ 
cinity, they obtained fourteen bushels of pearls. The tem¬ 
ples were numerous, and some of them very spacious. 
One was 300 feet in length, and 120 in breadth. The roof 
was steep, covered with mats, and made water-tight. Over 
these was a sort of tiling, constructed of brilliant shells, 
which made a splendid appearance in the sunshine. The 
entrance to the temple was guarded by twelve colossal 
statues of armed men, executed in wood. These had ex¬ 
pressive countenances, and were thrown into imposing atti¬ 
tudes. The interior of the walls were ranged by statues 
of men and women, the former being armed. Beneath 
were the tombs, where the Spaniards found immense quan- 

12 


titles of pciirls. 0;itsi(l(> of the main bull.ling were eight 
smaller ones, tilled with bows, ariows, spears, and other 
weapons. This edifice was in a town called Tolomeco, 
which had been depopulated and deserted in consequence 
of pestilence. Having remained some time with Coptichitjui, 
during which he was entertained in the most hospitable 
manner, De Soto at length came to a rupture with the 
Indians, and seizing the person of the queen, with her 
female attendants, forced them to travel on foot with the 
army a distance of 300 miles. At length the queen con¬ 
trived to escape, and all the efforts of the Spaniards to 
retake her were fruitless. Proceeding in their march, the 
invaders came to the Indian town of Mauvila, which con¬ 
tained eighty houses, each capable of lodging a thousand 
men. The chief of the country was a giant by the name 
of Tascaluza. He received the Spaniards with a show of 
courtesy, giving accommodations to the horses without the 
walls, and entertaining the men with feasts and the dances 
of beautiful women. But a quarrel soon arose, and the 
bloodiest battle in the records of Indian warfare, within the 
United States, immediately followed. It lasted nine hours, 
and Vega, the Spanish historian, reckons the number of the 
Indians who fell at over 10,000, though this is doubtless 
an exaggeration. Of the Spaniards, eighteen were killed 
and 150 wounded. It is supposed that Tascaluza perished 
in the fight, but his fame came down to modern times. 
The present city of Tuscaloosa is supposed to mark the 
site of his capital. The Spaniards, though greatly dis¬ 
heartened, marched forward, and came at last to the 
dominions of a chief called Vitachuco, in West Florida. 
This monarch blustered at the strangei-s stoutly, at first; 
but finally he received them with an appearance of hospi¬ 
tality. He, however, secretly collected 10,000 warriors, 
Avho made a desperate attack upon the Spaniards. In the 
fight, 900 of the savages were driven into a lake, where 
they remained swimming about for fourteen hours, when 
those surrendered who were not drowned. The chief was 
captured, and his whole army dispersed. He was, how¬ 
ever, released, and new wars arose between him and the 















































































De Boto discovering the Mississippi. 


invaders. Continuing their march to the northwest, they 
discovered the Mississippi, which they crossed, probably, 
near the mouth of the St. Francis River. They proceeded 
northward as far As Missouri, but returned soon after. 
Reaching the banks of tbe Washita, in Louisiana, they spent 
the winter there. In the spring they passed down to the 
Mississippi, where De Soto was taken sick and died. His 
body was wrapped in a mantle and sunk in the middle of 
the stream during the stillness of the night. The adven¬ 
turers, now reduced in number, wandered for a long period, 
and at last, half naked and famished with hunger, they 
reached Panuco in Mexico. Never was there an expedition 
that began in more ambitious hopes and was attended with 
more fatal disasters. The adventurers wandered for four 
years through the wilderness, crossed numerous rivers, 
encountered savage armies of ten times their number, and 
were finally wasted away by accident, disease, and battle. 
The proud leader was buried in the mighty river which he 
discovered, and the remnant who escaped were only suffi¬ 
cient to bear testimony to the sufferings, the disasters, and 
the failure of the expedition. 

21. Lia Salic. — The Mississippi was discovered in 
1678, by two French missionaries, named Marquette and 
Joliette, who proceeded from Quebec by the way of the 
lakes, to the Mississippi, and down the stream to the mouth 
of the Arkansas. In 1679, La Salle, the French com- 
tnander of Fort Frontignac, on Lake Ontario, accompanied 
by Hennipen, a Franciscan friar, explored the country on 
the Upper Mississippi, naming it Louisiana, from Louis XIV. 
In 1684, he made a voyage from France to the Gulf of 
Mexico, for the purpose of discovering the mouth of this 
great river. But the attempt was unsuccessful, and he 
was murdered by his own men, near Matagorda Bay, 
within the present boundary of Texas. 

20. De Soto? Mis adventures and disasters? 21. La Salle? 


22. Sefllcments. —In 1698, the first permanent settle¬ 
ment was made in French Louisiana, at Biloxi, within the lim¬ 
its of the present state of Mississippi. In 1699, M. Iberville 
built a fort and founded a colony fifty miles above the mouth 
of the Mississippi. His efforts were followed up by M. 
Crozat, who held the exclusive trade of the country for a 
number of years. About the year I7l7, he transferred 
his interest in the province to a chartered company, at the 
head of Avhich was the notorious John Law, whose national 
bank and Mississippi speculation produced the ruin of half 
the French nobility. In 1722, New Orleans was founded 
by Bienville, the commandant of the colony. Two years 
afterward, 500 negro slaves were imported from Guinea. 
At the treaty of peace, in 1763, Louisiana was ceded to 
Spain, and it was taken possession of by that power in 
1769. In 1800 it was ceded to France. In 1803, it was 
purchased by the United States from the French Republic 
for 115,000,000. The territory thus acquired extended 
from the Mississippi to the Pacific, and included the pres¬ 
ent state of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minesota, 
Missouri Territory, and Indian Territory. Oregon was also 
supposed to be included, but our title to that rested upon 
the stronger grounds of discovery. 

23. Battle of IVew Orleans. —The most remark¬ 
able event in the history of Louisiana, is the repulse of 
the British army under General Packenham, on the eighth 
of January, 1815. His force consisted of 12,000 men, ad¬ 
vancing to attack New Orleans. They were met by the 
Americans under General Jackson, 6000 strong. The lat¬ 
ter, sheltered by breastworks of cotton-bales, poured their 
destructive volleys upon the enemy, who retired with the 
loss of their commander-in-chief, and 1700 killed and 
wounded. The American loss was seven killed and six 
wounded. 

22. Settlements ? 23. Lattle of Mew Orleans ? 


STATE OF LOUISIANA. 


















STATE OF TEXAS. 91 



Lesson XLVII... State of Texas. 

1. Characteristics. —This is a very extensiv:e state, 
formerly belonging to Mexico, and lately annexed to the 
United States. 

2. Mountains. —The northwestern portion of this 
state consists of mountains, which form part of the Rocky 
Mounbiin range. They here bear the name of the Guada- 
loupe Mountains. This region has been little explored, and 
is still unsettled. The mountain sides are covered with for¬ 
ests, and most of them are susceptible of cultivation and 
irrigation. 

3. Valleys. — There are numerous alluvial valleys 
among the mountainous districts, in the western part of 
Texas. The valleys along the rivers are generally marked 
with high fertility. 

4. Kivers. —These all rise in the highlands of the north 
and west, and mostly fall into the Gulf of Mexico. The 
Neches is navigable for small steamboats one hundred miles ; 
Trinidad, or Trinity, for three hundred ; and the Brazos 

Exercises on the Map.— Extent of Texas ? Population ? 
Boundaries ? Describe the following: Galveston Bag ; Matagorda 
Bag; Padre Island; Point Isabel. Describe the following rivers: 
Sabine; Neches; Trinity; Brazos; Colorado; Guadaloupe; 


for two hundred. The Rio Colorado is obstructed by a 
raft of driftwood, about ten miles above its mouth. When 
this is removed, it will be navigable for steamboats to Aus¬ 
tin, a distance of two hundred miles. The San Antonio 
and Nueces are only navigable for short distances. The 
Sabine, which separates Texas from Louisiana, is navigable 
about 300 miles. The Rio Grande forms the southwestern 
boundary of the state. 

5. Sea-Coast.— Texas lies on the Gulf of Mexico for 
about 300 miles. It has no good ship harbor, and few 
ports for smaller vessels. The shallow bays Avhich receive 
most of the rivers, as well as the mouths of the rivers them¬ 
selves, are barred by shifting sand-banks. 

6. Islands. —There are several low flats running along 
the coast, and inclosing narrow bays, which are called 
islands. Of these. Padre, Mustang, St. Joseph’s, and Mata¬ 
gorda, are the principal. 

7. Veg-ctable Products. —The surface, in most 
pai'ts, is covered with a luxuriant native grass, comprising, 
with the common prairie grass, the gama, musquite, wild 

Ntteees. What mountains in the northwest of Texas I Capital ?. 
Direction of the principal places from Austin? 

LESSON XLVII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 

3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Sea-coast? 6. Islands? 7. Veg^ 


















































































92 


STATE OF TEXAS. 


clover, wild rice, drc., and affording excellent pasturage. 
It has also an ample supply of timber. Live-oak is abun¬ 
dant ; white, black, and post oak, ash, elm, acacia, walnut, 
sycamore,'ey press, India rubber, Ac., are among the com¬ 
mon trees. The high lands abound with pines and cedars. 
Peaches, melons, figs, oranges, lemons, pine-apples, dates, 
and olives may be produced in different localities. Grapes 
are abundant. Vanilla, indigo, sarsaparilla, and a great va¬ 
riety of,dyeing and medicinal plants, are indigenous. 

8. Animals. —Vast herds of buffaloes and wild horses 
wander over the prairies. The pursuit of these is the occu¬ 
pation of the Indians, as well as of some of the settlers. 
Bears are sometimes met with, and among them the grizzly 
bear. Deer and small game are abundant. 

9. Minerals. —Coal of a superior quality, and iron ore, 
have been found. Silver mines have been wrought in the 
mountainous regions. Nitre abounds in the east; salt is 
obtained from numerous lakes and springs; bitumen is met 
with in various places; gypsum, granite, limestone, and 
slate are common. 

10. Climate. —The climate is very mild and healthful. 

11. Soil.—There are few countries of the same extent 
which have so little unproductive land as Texas. The mar¬ 
itime section is a rich alluvium, singularly free from stagnant 
swamps. The banks of the rivers are covered with broad 
woodlands. The undulating lands between these streams 
afford rich pastures. Further inland are vast prairies, alter¬ 
nating with uplands thickly timbered. Beyond the moun¬ 
tain range are elevated table-lands of great fertility. 

12. Face of tlie Country. —The natural aspect of 
this state is that of a vast inclined plane, gradually sloping 
from the mountains eastward to the sea. This is intersected 
by numerous rivers, all having a southeasterly direction. 
The country is divided into three regions. The first is a 
level tract, from forty to one hundred miles wide, stretching 
along the sea. The second is the undulating prairie region, 
which extends one hundred and fifty miles further inland. 
The third is the mountainous region, to the north and west, 
with the table-lands beyond. 

13. Divisions.—Texas is divided as follows 


Counties. 
Anderson .... 

Pop. in 1850. 

County Towni. Pop. 

in 1840. 


. . 



Bastrop. 



. 400 

Bexar. 

. 6.0.52. 

.San Antonio de Bexar. 1,900 






.. 


. 500 


. 614. 


Burleson. 

. 1,713. 



Caldwell. 


.Lockhart. 

. 

Calhoun. 



, 

Cameron . • • • • 


, 

Cass. 









. i.ViAO.. 




. 2,257. 



Cook . 


.Cook C.il. 

— 

Corinal. 



—— 


.0 74n. 












.a’TKft..., .. 



Fayette. 



, - 

Fort Bend • - • 


.Richmond. 


Calveslon .... 



5,000 


. 648. 


- 

Coliad. 

. 1.492. 


_ 

Con/.ales .... 

. 2.008. 

.tJonzales. 

— 


.4.(K)8. 


■ 

Crimes. 

. 1.511. 

.Aiidersoii. 

__ 

Cundalupe... 

. I.2HI. 

.Segiiiii. 

— 

Harris. 



. ' 


table products ? 8. Animals ? 9. Minerals / 10. Climate ? 

11. Hod? 12. Face of the country ? 13. Divisions? 14. What 


Counties. Pop. in 1850. County T.>wn». Pop. in 1840. H50 

Harrison.ll.SiJiJ..Marshall. . 

Hays. 387.San .Marcos. . 

Henderson. 1,237. iiutfalo. . 

Hopkins. 2,ti23.Hopkins C. II. . 


Hunt. 1,.720.(ireenvilie. — 

Jackson. 996.Texana.. 

Jasper. 1,767.Jasper. — 

Jefferson. 1,836.iSeauinunt.. . 

Kuut'inan . 1,047.Kaufman. . 

Lamar. 3,978.Paris. . 

Lavacca. 1,571.Petersburg. . 

Leon. 1,946.l.ax)na. . 

C Liberty ... 

Liberty. 2,522.< Swartwout. . 

i Town Bluff.. . 

Limestone. 2,608.Springlield. . 

Matagorda .2,124.Matagorda. 700 

Medina. 909.Castroviile. . 

Milam. 2,90/.Cameron. . 


aioiiigomery. .J Cincinnati. . 

Nacogdoches. 5,193.Nacogdoches. 1,000 

Navarro. 3,843.Corsicano. . 

Newton. 1,689.Burksville. . 

Nueces. 698.Corpus Christi. .. 

Panola. 3,871.Carthage. . 

Polk. 2,349.Livingston. . 

Red River.3,9tl6.Clarksville. . 

Refugio. 288.Refugio.;. . 

Robertson. 934.Franklin. . 


Rusk. 

Sabine.. 

San Augustine 
San Patricio. 

Shelby. 

Smith. 

. 200. 

. 4,239. 

.Shelby ville.. 

... 1.000 
... 1,500 

Titus . 

. 3,636. 






1 01H) 

Tyler. 




Van Zant. 



_ 

Victoria. 

.2,019. 


-- 

Walker. 



— 

Washington... 

. 5,983. 


— — 

Wharton. 

Williamson •••■ 

L752. 

.Wharton. 

.... — 


14. Agriculture.—Cotton and the sugar-cane are the 
agricultural staples. The grains chiefly cultivated are In¬ 
dian corn and wheat. The sweet and common potatoes yield 
extremely well. The rearing of live-stock has long been 
the principal and favorite occupation of a large portion of 
the inhabitants, and many of the prairies are almost literally 
covered with immense herds of oxen. 

15. Chief Towns. — Austin, i\\e capital, on the left 
bank of the Colorado, two hundred miles from the sea, has 
recently been laid out, is near the center of the state, and 
is a thriving place. Brazoria, on the Brazos, thirty miles 
from the sea, has considerable trade. Corpus Christi, on 
a bay of the same name, is a large village. Galveston, at 
the east end of Galveston Island, is the chief commercial 
mart. Houston, at the head of tidewater on Buftalo Bayou, 

Js a large place. Matagorda, on the Colorado, thirty-five 
miles from the sea, is a thriving village. Nacogdoches, San 
Augustine, and Washington are places of some note. 

16. Inliahitants. —Over one-half of the population are 
Americans, of British descent. There is a considerable 
number of Germans, who have lately emigrated hither, with 
some Irish, French, Italians, &c. It is supposed there are 
about 15,000 Mexicans of Spanish descent. 

IV. History—Early Aunals. —At the time Cortez 
conquered Mexico, Texas was the occasional resort of wan¬ 
dering tribes of Indians, who were of a wild, rude, and 
savage character. Tliough considered a part of Mexico, it 
remained for a long time unoccupied. La Salle, the 
French pioneer, in his attempt to found a colony at the 


are the agricultural products ? 15. Which are the chief towns ? 

16. Inhahitauts ? 17. Whai is said of the early history of I'exas? 





















































































































































































































































STATE OF TEXAS. 93 


mouth of the Mississippi, missed his reckoning, and landed, 
m 1685, at the head of Matagorda Bay. Here he built a 
fort; but two years after, he departed, and was shot by one 
of his own men, as we have already stated. His fort was 
demolished by the Indians. Small settlements were made 
in the territory both by the Spanish and French, and rival 
claims to the country were maintained by them. In 1681, 
the Spaniards established a military post at Bejar. In 
1719, a colony of people from the Canary Isles was seated 
here. The province was at that time called the New Phil- 
lippines, and several missions and presidios, or military 
, posts, existed in different quarters. At this period, the 
claim of Spain to the country seems to have been pretty 
well established, and the population was considerable. 
The missionary establishments consisted of massive stone 
fortresses, with churches decorated with statues and paint- 
' ings, and having enormous bells. The ruins of some of 
these formidable structures still remain in Texas, and are 
striking objects in a country otherwise so little marked by 
the works and institutions of man. At the outbreak of the 
Mexican revolution in 1810, owing to the plundering habits 
of the Camanches and other tribes, and the narrow policy 
of the Spanish government, the population of Texas had 
diminished. 

18. Attempt at Independence. —In 1812, a party 
of about two hundred Americans from the southwestern 
states, with three hundred French, Spaniards, and Italians, 
commanded by a Mexican patriot, named Gutierez, crossed 
the Sabine, and took possession of Goliad. They were 
attacked by the royalist forces, and several battles followed, 
in which the invaders were victorious. Disgusted with the 
conduct of some of the Mexican leaders, a large part of the 
Americans withdrew. Gutierez was removed from the 
command, and the dissatisfied troops returned. In a con¬ 
flict with the royalist army under Toledo, the Mexican allies 
deserted in a cowardly manner, and left the Americans to 
meet the conflict with ten times their number. Most of 
these were killed, and those who escaped from the battle¬ 
field were principally slain. Thus ended, in total defeat, 
this first attempt at Texan independence. 

19. Stephen F. Austin. —In 1821, new and more 
successful attempts at colonization in Texas were com¬ 
menced, and consequently the population was rapidly in¬ 
creased. The leading pioneer in this movement was Ste¬ 
phen F. Austin, of Durham, Connecticut, whose father had 
obtained permission to plant a colony her«. His active 
exertions were successful, and he may be almost considered 
the father of Texas. In 1824, Mexico, now an independent 
republic, established Coahuila and Texas as one of its states. 
A period of tranquillity followed ; but in 1826; a movement 
was made at Nacogdoches to throw off the Mexican yoke. 
A republic of the name of Fredonia was proclaimed; a 
band of Cherokees was engaged to assist the insurgents ; 
but these turned against their allies, and the insurrection 
was speedily suppressed. 

20. War of Independence. —In the progress of 
events, a spirit of dissatisfaction with the Mexican govern¬ 
ment grew up in Texas. This Avas hightened by the usur¬ 
pations of Santa Anna, Avho had become president of 
Mexico. In 1835, the Texans began to prepare for Avar. 
In November of that year, they made an open declaration 
of their intention to resist the parent state. A provisional 
government was formed, and Samuel Houston Avas appointed 

IQ. Attempt at independenceF 19. Stephen K Austin ? 20. War op 


commander of the Texan army. In December folloAving, 
an army of fiv'e hundred Texans besieged the strong for¬ 
tress of Bexar, defended by 1300 .Spaniards and Mexicans, 
commanded by Gen. Cos. In the course of a feAV days, 
the fort Avas taken, the Mexicans being permitted to retire. 
In a short time, not a Mexican soldier Avas to be found east 
of the Rio Grande. On the 2d of March, 1835, a conven¬ 
tion of delegates met at Washington, on the Brazos, and 
made a formal declaration of independence. Previous to 
this, Santa Anna had inA'aded the country in person. Goliad 
was invested, and Bexar, defended by one hundred and 
fifty Texans, Avas surrounded by four thousand men. The 
attack commenced, and was continued for several days. 
The defense of the little band Avithin the Alamo was Avorthy 
of Leonidas and his Spartans. They kept the enemy at bay 
for a long time, but a general assault Avas made on the 6th 
of March. The Texans fought on till only seven of their 
number were left. These were cut doAvn Avhen the place 
Avas carried, no quarter being given. Only two persons 
sur\'iA-ed—a Avoman and a nesjro servant. Amonw the 
slain, surrounded by a heap of those Avho had fallen by his 
poAverful hand, Avas David Crockett, of Tennessee, a man 
celebrated for his eccentric wit and generous independence 
of character. It is supposed that the Mexican loss was 
1500. Col. Fannin, with 275 men, attempted to retreat 
from Goliad on the l7th. Being surrounded by a large 
Mexican force, with a number of Indian allies, he thrcAv his 
men into a holloAV square, and defended himself nearly a 
whole day, killing 500 of the enemy. During the night, 
the Texans threAv up breastAvorks ; but the Mexicans had 
received a reinforcement of 500 men ; they were therefore 
obliged to capitulate, on condition of being regarded as pris¬ 
oners of Avar. Having been marched to Goliad, they Avere in¬ 
humanly treated, and soon after they Avere shot, by order 
of Santa Anna, including some other troops, making 400 in 
all. This melancholy tragedy, which has stamped the 
name of Santa Anna Avith infamy, and even stained the 
Mexican annals, occurred on the 27th March. 

21. Battle of Sau Jacinto. —Flushed with victory, 
and confident of success, Santa Anna pursued the Texan 
army, noAV commanded by Gen. Houston. The latter re¬ 
treated until he reached the San Jacinto. Here he paused, 
having 783 men. The enemy advanced, amounting to 
1600. On the 21st April, the Texans began the attack. 
Holding their fire till they reached the enemy’s lines, they 
raised the Avar-cry, “ Remember the Alamo !” and, ^'ith the 
phrensy of reA'enge, threAV themseh'es upon the enemy’s 
Avorks. In fifteen minutes, they Avere in entire possession 
of their camp. The Avhole Mexican army was either killed, 
wounded, or taken prisoners. Santa Anna Avas taken the 
next day, alone, unarmed, and disguised. He was permit¬ 
ted to go to the United States, Avhere he had an intervieAV 
Avith Gen. Jackson. He returned to Mexico, having previ¬ 
ously stipulated Avith Gen. Houston to faAmr the cause of 
Texan independence. This, however, he did not fulfil, and 
the Avar against Texas was continued. 

22. Independence—Annexation. —Meantime, the 
independence of that state was recognized by the United 
States, England, and France. In 1844, negotiations Avere 
entered into for the annexation of Texas to the United 
States. In February of the next year, a joint resolution 
Avas passed by Congress in favor of that measure, and 
it soon after Avas admitted into the Union. 


independence? 21 . Battle of San Jacinto? 22 . Annexation? 























04 


TiiK A'. :s'ri':KN states. 

Extent, 19),117 sqiinrc miles.—Population in 1850, 7,592,005. 


8k I.ongitu(lo West (ri)in Gre<Miwicli. 



6 ] 


Inlmbitaiits to square mile, 15.10. 































































































































------ 

THE WESTJE 

Lesson XLVIII...The Western Slates. 

1. Cliaracteristics —The Western States have been 
described as follows: 

If thou wouldst find a favored land, 

By nature’s chosen bounties blest— 

A fertile soil, a climate bland— 

Go seek the regions of the West 1 

Here is the farmer’s paradise : 

Ricli harvests come with little care, 

Wliile spreading rivers brimming rise. 

And to their marts these products bear. 

The giant Mississippi toils 

For millions o’er its valley spread. 

And asks no share of countless spoils 

Upon its burdened bosom sped. 

Majestic stream ! thou roll’st along. 

Type of the land thy waters lave. 

With bosom broad and current strong : — 

0, who shall stay thy onward wave ? 

2. Mouiitaius. —This region contains no mountain 
chain of great extent or elevation, except the Ozark or 
Masserne mountains, in the extreme southwest, which may 
be considered as branches of the great Mexican system. 

3. Valleys. —The larger valleys of this region have 
been already described. There are many smaller ones, 
noted for their beauty and fertility, 

4. Prairies. —The immense prairies of this region con¬ 
stitute the most remarkable feature of the country. These 
are level plains stretching as far as the eye can reach, 
totally destitute of trees, but covered with tall grass or 
flowering shrubs. Some have an undulating surface, and 
are called rolling prairies. These are the most extensive, 
and are the favorite resort of the bison. Here, without a 
tree or a stream of water, the traveler may wander for 
days, and discover nothing but a grassy ocean bounded on 
all sides by the horizon. In the dry season, the Indians 
set fire to the grass, and the wide conflagration which en¬ 
sues often surprises the bison, deer, and other wild ani¬ 
mals, who are unable to escape from the flames, and are 
burned to death. These tracts prevail most in Missouri, 
Arkansas, and Illinois. 

5. Barrens. —These are common in the Western States. 
They have generally an undulating surface, with low hills, 
extending in long and uniform ranges. The soil is com¬ 
monly clayey, of a reddish or gray color, and producing a 
tall, coarse grass. Trees are thinly scattered about over 
the surface. These barrens are capable of cultivation. 

6. Kivers. —Perhaps no region in the world is so boun¬ 
tifully supplied with navigable streams. The Missouri and 
Mississippi spread their hundred giant arms throughout 
every portion of its vast surface. The principal of these 
is the Ohio, whose head streams, the Alleghany and Mo- 
nongahela, rising in Pennsylvania and Virginia, unite at Pitts¬ 
burg, and take the name of Ohio. From Pittsburg to the 
Mississippi, the river has a course of 950 miles, receiving 
numerous navigable streams from the two great inclined 
planes between which it runs. The southern or largest of 
these planes has a much greater declivity than the northern, 
and its rivers are more rapid, yet with few direct falls. The 
Kenawha, Big Sandy, Kentucky, Green, Cumberland, and 
Tennessee are the principal confluents from the Appalachian 

:rn states. • 95 

slope. On the north, it receives the Big Beaver, Mus¬ 
kingum, Scioto, Miami, and Wabash, which come from the 
slightly elevated table-lands of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 

The whole region drained by this noble river, comprising an 
area of 200,000 square miles, is rich in the most useful 
productions of nature, animal, vegetable, and mineral, and 
enjoys the advantage of a mild and healthful climate. 
From Pittsburg to its mouth, it has a descent of 400 feet, 
or five inches to a mile. Its current is gentle, and it is no¬ 
where broken by falls, except at Louisville. Its breadth 
varies from 400 to 1400 yards, being on an average about 

800 yards. The navigation is impeded by ice in winter, 
and drought in autumn, in its upper part; but the greater 
portion of the year it is the scene of an active trade, and is 
covered with steamboats and river craft. 

7. Jhakes. —The great lakes which lie between the 
Western States and British America have been noticed. 

The boundary between the United States and British Amer¬ 
ica runs in the middle of lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and 
Superior. 

8. Natural Curiosities. —Some of the largest caves 
in the world are found in the Western States. These will be 
described under the several states. 

9. Mineral Springs. —These are found in various lo¬ 
calities, and will be hereafter described. 

10. Vegetable Products. —The largest deciduous 
tree of the American forest is the occidental plane-tree, 
popularly known under the various names of sycamore, 
buttonwood, and cotton-tree. It attains its greatest size in the 
Western States, sometimes rising with a trunk from ten to 
fifteen feet in diameter, to the hight of seventy feet, before 
it begins to give out branches. The cottonw'ood, a species 
of poplar, which abounds on the western rivers, attains the 
hight of eighty feet. It receives its name from its bearing 
a downy matter resembling cotton. The tulip-tree, or 
whitewood, improperly called the poplar, is second in size 
only to the buttonwood, and, from the fine form of the 
trunk, and the beauty of its foliage and flowers, may be 
considered one of the most magnificent vegetable produc¬ 
tions of the temperate climates. Its wood is also valuable 
in the arts. It is found both in the western and southern 
states, and grows to the hight of 130 or 140 feet, with a 
trunk sometimes perfectly strait, and six or seven feet in 
diameter, to the hight of fifty feet. The black-w'alnut, the 
butternut, the sugar-maple, pekan, various species of oak, 

&c., are common. The pawpaw is a shrub or small tree, 
which bears an oblong yellowish fruit, resembling a cucum¬ 
ber, with a soft and edible, but insipid, pulp. The locust- 
tree is a beautiful ornamental tree, and useful in the arts on 
account of the hardness and durability of the wood. It 
reaches the hight of eighty feet, with a trunk four feet in 
diameter. There are four species, all of which are confined 
to North America. The beech, walnut, oak, &c., a,bound 
in the West. 

11. Animals. —Many of the wild animals indigenous 
to the country are still common in the Western States, as 
the browm bear, deer, elk, cougar, wild turkey, &c. The 
buffalo is met with in the western parts, where the prairie 
wolf is also common. 

12. Minerals. —Lead is the most abundant of the 

Exercises on the Map of the Western States. — Boundar¬ 
ies ? Extent ? Population ? Boundaries and capital of each of 
the Western States ? Between what states does the Mississippi run / 
Where does the Mississippi rise ? 1 

LESSON XLVIII. 1. Characteristics ? 2i Mountains ? 

3. Valleys ? 4. Prairies ? 5. Barrens ? 6. Rivers ? 7. Lakes ? 

8. Natural curiosities? 9. Mineral springs? 10. Vegetable prod¬ 
ucts? lA. Animals ? 12. Minerals? 13. Climate? 14. ISoil? 












metals in this region. The iron produced here is obtained 
mostly from the neighborhood of the Appalachian mount¬ 
ains. Bituminous coal is also abundant in these regions. 
Limestone occurs in almost every part. Salt-springs are 
found in many places, and no part of the Mississippi Valley 
is remote from a plentiful supply of salt. The richest cop¬ 
per mines in the world are found in the north. 

13. CliJiiate. —The cold is severe in the northern 
part, and, in general, the temperature is lower than in the 
same parallels of latitude on the Atlantic. The climate may 
be described in general terms as temperate and healthful. 

14. Soil. —The Western States contain the most exten¬ 
sive tracts of fertile soil in the United States, and seem 
destined to be the granary of millions of people. 

15. Face of' the Country. —The surface may be 
described as composed of vast level tracts, slightly broken in 
some places with low hills, and in others gently undulating, 
but rarely rugged or precipitous. The beds of the streams 
are often worn deep below the general elevation, giving their 
banks a hilly appearance, which, however, is wholly deceptive. 

16. Divissions. —The Western States are as follows: 

Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Wisconsin, 

Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa. 

Tennessee, Indiana, 

17. Agriculture. —This is the chief employment of 
the people of these states. 

18. Manufactures. —These are extensive and flour¬ 
ishing in some parts, but, on the whole, their products are 
not considerable, compared to those of agriculture. 

19. Commerce. —Having no seaboard, the commerce 
of these states is wholly inland. Immense amounts of prod¬ 
uce are sent to New Orleans, as well as New York, Philadel¬ 
phia, and Baltimore. A considerable caravan trade has been 
carried on from Missouri to Mexico, by way of Santa Fe. 

20. Hunting. —Parties of hunters and trappers go 
into the western regions to take fur-bearing animals, but 
their operations are now on a limited scale. 

21. Mining. —Lead is obtained in large quantities. 

' 15. Face of the country? 16. Divisions? 17. Agriculture? 
18 Manufactures? 1^. Commerce? 20. Hunting? 2\. Mining? 


Coal, copper, and iron beds are wrought to a considerable 
exUmt. 

22. Diseases.^ —These are generally bilious fevers: 
pulmonary complaints aie rare. Intermittent fevers are 
common. In some few places, half the people are said to 
have agues. Many large districts, however, are entirely free 
from them, and they are everywhere becoming less common. 

23. Inhabitants.— The inhabitants are the descend¬ 
ants or natives of almost every European country, and of 
every Atlantic state. There are separate communities of 
French, Swiss, and Germans ; and there are many English, 
Scotch, and Irish citizens. Ohio and Indiana are principally 
peopled from New England ; and Kentucky from Virginia 
and North Carolina. French is spoken in some parts of Mis¬ 
souri and Illinois, and the Swiss and Germans in many places 
retain their own language. There are not many negroes, 
except in Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, in 
which states slavery still exists. The Indians, who were 
till recently numerous in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, have 
been mostly removed to the Indian Territory. Amidst a 
population so variously composed, and of so recent origin, 
we cannot expect to find many prevailing characteristics. 
The English language, and American habits and manners, 
are, however, rapidly moulding all into one homogeneous 
mass. 

24. Boats—Boatmen. —The great rivers which form 
so striking a natural feature of this region, give to the mode 
of traveling and transportation, in general, a peculiar cast, 
and have created a peculiar class of men, called boatmen. 
Craft of all descriptions are found on these waters. There 
are the rude shapeless masses that denote the infancy of 
navigation, and the light steamboat which makes its per¬ 
fection, together with all the intermediate forms between 
these extremes. The most inartificial of all water-craft is 
the ark, or Kentucky flat—a huge frame of square timbers, 
with a roof. It is in shape a parallelogram, and lies upon 
the water like a log. It hardly feels the oar, and trusts for 


22. Diseases ? 23. Inhabitants ? 24. Boats and boatmen ? 25. Edu¬ 
cation ? 26. Manners ? 27. Towns ? 28. Antiquities ? 20. History t 


THE WESTERN STATES. 


Buffalo Hunt in the Far We.st. 






























STATE OF ARKANSAS. 97 


motion mainly to the current. It is fifteen feet wide, from 
fifty to eighty feet long, and carries from 200 to 400 bar¬ 
rels. These arks are often filled with the goods and fami¬ 
lies of emigrants, and contain even the carriages and domestic 
animals. They are also used for shops of various kinds of 
goods, which are sold at the different towns, and some of 
them are fitted up as the workshops of artificers. There fire 
also keelboats, and barges, which are light and well built; 
skiffs, that will carry from two persons to five tons ; “ dug- 
outs,” or pirogues, made of hollowed logs, and other ves¬ 
sels, for Avhich language has no name, and the sea no paral¬ 
lel. Since the use of steamboats, many of the other craft 
have disappeared, and the number of river boatmen has 
been diminished by many thousands. 

25. Education. —All that is practicable is done for 
education in these states. The importance of the subject 
is properly estimated by the state legislatures, and the num¬ 
ber of native inhabitants who cannot read or write is pot. 
large. A common education is within the reach of nearly all. 

26. Manners and Customs.— The use of the rifle 
is carried to the greatest perfection. Hospitality, gener¬ 
osity, and rude courtesy are characteristics of the people. 
The men are distinguished for their skill and daring as sol¬ 
diers. Athletic sports are chiefly in vogue. Camp meet¬ 
ings are held on a great scale, and draAV together large 
numbers of people. The political orators perform circuits, 
in which they meet each other face to face, setting forth 
their Auews before the assembled freemen. Barbecues are 
feasts somewhat in the Indian fashion, where animals are 
roasted whole ; sev^eral hundreds sometimes partaking of 
the entertainment. The wild, free habits of the west have I 


given rise to a style of humor which becomes amusing, 
from its extravagance. A number of pithy commonplaces, 
such as “ Go ahead,” “ Waking up the wrong passenger,” 
“ Barking up the Avrong tree,” (fee., had their origin here. 
These have passed into general use, and are even trans¬ 
planted to England. 

27. Towns. —The chief towns of the Western States 
are as folloAvs, Avitl^their distances from Cincinnati; 

Towns. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 
Louisville, Ky. . 

Milwaukee, AVis 

Chicago, III. 

Nashville, Tenn, 

St. Louis, Mo... 

Indianapolis, ia. 

28. Antiquities. —There are numerous remains of an¬ 
tiquity in the Western States, Avhich are supposed to haA^e 
been the Avork of populous tribes Avho preceded the present 
races of Indians. These consist of mounds and inclosures 
of A'arious forms. They are found at a number of places in 
Ohio, Illinois, and other parts. Very extensive Avorks of 
this kind are also found in Mississippi. The mounds were 
probably used as burial-places, and the inclosures for mili¬ 
tary purposes. 

29. History. —The first discovery within the Western 
States AA'as made by De Soto and his party, in 1541, Avho 
went as far north as Ncav Madrid, in Missouri. The first 
settlements were those of the French, in the region of the 
northern lakes, and down the Mississippi. Tennessee was 
settled in 1765, Kentucky in 1770, and Ohio soon after. 
The history of the states Avill be given under their heads. 


Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

..46,3«2 llti,lu8 

...21,210 43,217 

... 1,712 20,026 

,.. 4 470 28,269 

.. 6’929 17,502 

...16,469 82, 

.. 2,692 0,034 


DHtances from 
Cincinnati. 

137 miles. 
420 “ 

270 “ 

250 « 

688 “ 

110 “ 



Lesson XLIX...State of Arkansas. 

1. Characteristics.— This is a new state, with 
a fine climate, and a small population. 

2. Mountains. —The Ozark chain crosses the 
northAvestern part of this state, being here called 
the Black Mountains. The Avhole range is sometimes 
called the Masserne Mountains, though this term is 
applied to a branch Avhich extends eastwardly nearly 
to the Missouri RiA^er. These mountains have been 
little explored. Some of the elevations are said to- 
be 2000 feet in hight. Near the soutliAvest part of 
the state is a detached elevation, called Mt. Prairie. 

3. Valleys. —There are several valleys of great 
beauty in this state, especially that of the Arkansas 
and Washita rivers. 

4. Rivers.— The Arkansas, one of the greatest 
tributaries of the Mississippi, traverses this state 
from northwest to southeast. It rises in the Rocky 
Mountains, and, pursuing a southeast course, emp¬ 
ties into the Mississippi four hundred miles above 
the mouth of the Red River. It is remarkable for 
the regularity of its curves, and the beauty of the 
young cotton-wood groA'es that spring up on the hil¬ 
locks along its border. In the spring floods, steam¬ 
boats can ascend it nearly to the mountains. White 
River has its sources in the Black Mountains, Avhich 
separate its Avaters from those of the Arkansas. FloAving east, 
it receives the Black River ; after which its course is south- 

ETEercises on the Map of Arkansas. —Extent o f Arkansas ? 
Population ? Population to the square mile ? Boundaries ? In 
which direction does the Arkansas River flow in this state f Where 

13 


erly. Near its mouth, it separates into two branches—one 
joining the Arkansas, the other the Mississippi. The TFasA- 


does it eanpty? In which direction does the White River runf 
Capital of Arkansas ? Where is Columbia? Smithville? Ozark? 
LESSON XLIX. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Val ' 






























































98 


STATE OF ARKANSAS. 


ita is a noble river, flowinsr thronjib a fertile and beautiful 
region. The Cache, St. Francis, and Bartholomew are smaller 
streams. The Red River crosses the southwestern comer 
of the state. It is here obstructed by accumulations of 
driftwood and fallen trees, called rafts. 

5. Prairies. —A great part of the surface of this state 
consists of prairies. One of these is ninety miles in length. 

6. Mineral Si>ring:s. —Sixty miles north of Little 
Rock are the Hot Springs, much resorted to. There are 
also sulphur and chalybeate springs, beneficial in certain 
diseases. 

7. Vegetable Products. —The common forest trees 
of the Western States are found here. The bottomdands are 
heavily timbered. The beech is abundant. In many 
places, the hills are covered with red cedars and savines. 
Grapes and whortleberries, in high perfection, abound. 
Cotton flourishes in the southern part, and grains in the north. 

8. Animals. —Wild animals abound, such as the deer, 
elk, otter, badger, beaver, rabbit, gopher, raccoon, wild-cat, 
cougar, wolf, bear, wild geese, turkeys, quail, grouse, ducks, 
<fec. The buffalo is becoming scarce. 

9. Minerals. —Iron-ore, gypsum, limestone, anthracite, 
and other coal appear to be abundant. Near the Washita 
is a quarry of oil-stone. Salt occurs in saline tracts, ex¬ 
tending across the state from north to south. Here is a 
salt prairie, which is covered for miles with pure crystal¬ 
lized salt, five or six inches deep. Vast masses of sea-shells 
are found, which are burnt and used for lime. 

10. Climate. —This is variable. At the north, it re¬ 
sembles that of Missouri; at the south, it is like that of 
Louisiana. The shores of the Arkansas, as far up as Little 
Rock, are unhealthy. Great tracts, on all sides, are covered 
with sleeping lakes and stagnant bayous. The country in 
these parts is a dead level, and the waters of the heavy 
rains, which sometimes last for four weeks together, cannot 
be drained off. The prairie country is more healthy, and 
the elevated regions of the northwest are highly salubrious. 

11. Soil. —This is of all qualities, from the best to the 
most sterile. Along the White River, the St. Francis, and 
the Washita, there are highly productive tracts of land. 
The soil of the prairies is not, in general, fertile. A consid¬ 
erable portion of the state consists of unproductive lands. 

12. Face of the Country. —For some distance up 
the Arkansas and White rivers, the country is an extensive, 
heavily-timbered, and deeply-inundated swamp. Along 
the banks of the Mississippi, also, there is an almost con¬ 
tinued flooded forest. In the interior, there are vast plains 
or prairies, and sterile ridges. 

13. Agriculture. —Cotton is the staple, but it is an 
uncertain crop in the northern counties. Wheat does well 
in the high country; maize and sweet potatoes in the rich 
lands ; rye and barley everywhere. Peaches are excellent 
and abundant. 

14. Divisions. —These are as follows: 


Coanties. 

Pop. in 1850. 

County Towns. 

Pop. in 1840, 

Arkiinsas ••• • 




Ashley. 




Benton. 



. 140 

Bradley. 




Carroll. 




Chicot. 



.. . 

Clark. 



. . 

Conway. 



Crawford .... 

. 7,960. 


. 500 


Conntics. 

Crittenden • 

Dallas . •••' 

Desha ..... 

Drew. 

Franklin .. 

Fulton .... 

Green. 

Hempstead 
Hot Springs.3,609 


Pop. in 1850. County Town*. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

_ 2,648.Marion. . 

.... 6,877.Princeton. . 

.... 2,9(K).Napoleon. . 

.... 3,‘.175.Drew C. H. . 

_ 3,919.Ozark. .. 

....•1,819.Pilot Hill. . 

.... 2,593.Gainesville. . 

7,672.Washington. 400 


Independence 

Izard . 

Jackson . 

Jefferson. 

Johnson. 

Lafayette. 

Lawrence .... 

Madison. 

Marion. 

Mississippi 


Monroe. 2,049. 


7,767.Batesville. 

3,213.Athens. 

3,086.Elizabeth... 

5,834.Pine Bluff... 

5,227.Clarkes vi lie 

5,220.Lewisville.. 

5,274.Smithville.. 

4,823.Huntsville.. 

2,302.Yellvillo.... 

2,368.Osceola. 


.Rockport.. 100 


200 


75 

75 


• Lawrenceville. 


Montgomery 

Newton. 

Perry.. 

Phillips ••• • 

Pike. 

Poinsett.2,308 

Polk.. 1,263. 


1,958.Mount Ida. . 

1,758.Jasper.. 

978.Perryville. . 

6,935.Helena. 500 

1,861.Murfreesboro’. . 

• •••••Bolivar. . 

.Dallas. . 


Pope 
Prairie 

Pulaski. 5,658 

Randolph. 3,275. 

St. Francis. 4,479. 

Saline.3,901. 

Scott. 3,083. 

Searcy. 1,979- 

Sevier. 4,240. 

Union.10,298- 

Van Buren. 2,864. 

Washington. 9,849. 

Washita. 9,.591. 

White.2,619. 

Yell. 3,341 


4,-38 


4,710.Dover. . 

2,097.Brownville... . 

•/••••Little Rock. 3.000 

• .Pocahontas. . 

.Mount V'eruon. . 

.Benton. 2,228 

.Waldron. .. 

.Lebanon. . 

.Paraclifta.. 

.El Dorado. . 

.Clinton. . 

.Fayetteville.. 425 

.Camden.. . 

.Searcy. . 

.Danville. . 

15. Manufactures.—These are of small extent, but 
increasing. The domestic manufactures are considerable. 

16. Commerce.—This is almost confined to the ex¬ 
port of agricultural products to New Orleans ; yet the state 
has great advantages for trade, and this is increasing. 

17. Education.—The country is too new to expect 
much on this important subject. There are, however, a 
number of academies and common schools. 

18. Inhabitants.—The people are chiefly emigrants 
from the southern and western states. There are some de¬ 
scendants of the ancient French settlers. The slaves con¬ 


stitute about one-fifth part of the population. 

19. Chief Towns .—Little Rock, on the south bank 
of the Arkansas, and 300 miles from its mouth, is the seat 
of government. It is situated on a bluff, nearly two hun¬ 
dred feet above the river, and is regularly laid out, having 
been first settled in 1820. Arkansas is an ancient French 
settlement, the inhabitants of which are mostly descendants 
of French and Indians. Columbia and Helena, on the Mis¬ 
sissippi, Batesville, on White River, Fayetteville, in the 
northwestern part of the state, and Hutton, on the Red 
Riv^er, are considerable and growing places. 

20. History. —The territory of Arkansas appears to 
have been early occupied by populous Indian tribes, at¬ 
tracted hither by the abundance of game. The first white 
men wlio visited the country must have been De Soto and 
his band, who passed up and down the Mississippi in 1541. 
The French had some small settlements here, soon after 
their occupation of the country, below. The Indians con¬ 
tinued in Arkansas till a recent date. They are noAV re¬ 
moved to the Indian territory, which borders this state upon 
the west. Arkansas Avas a part of the Louisiana purchase. 
It Avas made a separate territory in 1819, and Avas admitted 
into the Union in 1836. 


leys ? 4. Rivers ? 5. Prairies ? 6. Mineral springs ? 7. Vege¬ 

table products? 8. Animals? 9. Minerals? 10. Climate? 
I'k-Soil? TlI. Face of the country ? "LZ. Agriculture? 1^. Divi¬ 


sions? 15. Manufactures? 16. Commerce? 17. Education? 
18. Inhabitants ? 19. Chief towns ? 20. History ? When war 

Arkansas admitted into the Union ? 
































































































































































STATE OF MISSOURI. 


99 


Lesson L...Stale of Missouri. 


1. Cliaractei’istics. —Missouri is re¬ 
markable for its great extent, and its rich 
and varied mineral products. 

2. Moiiataiiis.—The southern part of 
the. state is traversed by the Ozark mount¬ 
ains, which have been noticed under the 
head of Arkansas. East of these is a ridge 
called Iron Mountain, from the masses of 
ron ore found in some of its peaks. 

3. Prairies. — There are prairies of 
great extent in the northwestei'n part of the 
state. 

4. Rivers. —Washed on its eastern bor¬ 
der by the Mississippi, and traversed from 
west to east by the Missouri, this state has 
the advantage of extensive and easy water 
communication with the whole Mississippi 
valley. The Osage, which joins the Missouri 
in the center of the state, is a fine, naviga¬ 
ble river, running through a fertile country ; 
boats ascend it 600 miles. The Gasconade, 
which falls into the Missouri below the 
Osage, is navigable for boats sixty-six miles. 

The Maramec falls into the Mississippi be¬ 
low the Missouri; it is navigable SO miles. 

The St. Francis, White and Big Black riv¬ 
ers rise in the south, and pass into Arkan¬ 
sas. Grand and Chariton rivers fall into the Missouri 
from the north. Salt River is a branch of the Mississippi 
in the same quarter. These are navigable for boats. 

5. Tcgretatole Products. —The river bottoms are 
covered with heavy forest trees of the common kinds. 
Yellow pine grows on the poor soil of the southAvest. The 
richer prairies are covered with grass and weeds so tall as 
to make it difficult to travel on horseback. Various grains, 
flax, and hemp are easily cultivated. 

6. Aisimals.—The bison, formerly abundant in the 
prairies, has nearly disappeared from the state. The bear, 
deer, elk, wolf, and smaller quadrupeds are still found in 
considerable numbers. Wild turkeys and several species 
of grouse are also met with. 

7. Minerals. —These are various and abundant, in¬ 
cluding lead, iron, coal, salt, limestone, gypsum, zinc, anti¬ 
mony, plumbago, iron pyrites, arsenic, copper, and pot¬ 
ter’s clay. The lead mines are inexhaustible. They are in 
the eastern part of the state, south of the Missouii, chiefly 
in Washington county. In this quarter are Iron Mountain 
and Pilot Knob, which are two enormous masses of iron ore, 
about 300 feet high. The mines are extensively worked. 

8. Climate. —This state is subject to greater extremes 
of temperature than any other in the western country. The 
summer is intensely hot, and the winter often so severe that 
the Missouri is frozen so as to be crossed by loaded wagons. 

9 . Soil _The soil of this state contains more sand, and 

is more loamy and friable than that of the lands upon the 
Ohio. The alhivial prairies are nearly as fertile as the river 
bottoms. The rich uplands have a dark gray soil, except 
about the lead mines, Avhere it is of a reddish color.- Nearly 

Exercises on the Map of Missouri.— of Mis- 
souri? Extent? Population? Population to the square mtlef 
What river bounds the state on the west ? On the east ? What river 
rrosses the northern part of the state ? Describe the following rivers: 
Osage; Gasconade; Maiimce. Capital? Direction of the following 



all the level tracts produce good crops of maize without 
manure. The alluvial borders of the Missouri are generally 
loamy, with a large proportion of sand. The soil here con¬ 
tains a quantity of marl or lime, and is exceedingly fertile. 

10. Face of tlie Country.—The northwestern part 
of the state is a wide prairie. The central and southwestern 
parts are hilly and broken ; the southeastern is low, swam¬ 
py, full of lakes, and subject to inundation. The best por- 
lion of the state lies beUveen the Missouri and the Missis¬ 
sippi. It has an undulating surface, Avith large tracts of 
alluvial and hilly prairies. 

11. Divisions.—These are as folloAvs: 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Adair. 2,342.Kirksville. . 

Andrew. 9,433.Savannah.. 

Atchison. 1,C78.Linden. 

Andrian. 3,.506.Mexico. . 

Barry. 3,467.Cnssville. . 

Bates. 3.669.Batesville. . 

Benton. 5,015.Warsaw. 400 

Boone. 14,979.Columbia. 3.365 

Buchanan. 12,975.St.-loseph. 

Butler. 1,616.Cane Creek. . 

Caldwell. 2,316.Kint;ston. —— 

Calloway. 13,827.Fulton. 3,0o.w 

Camden. 2,338.Erie. 

Cape Girardeau. 13,912.Jackson. 800 

Carroll. 5,441.Carrollton. 300 

C,ass. 6,090.Harrisonville. . 

Cedar. 3,361.Fremont. . 

Chariton. 7,514.Keylesville. 200 

Clarke. 5,.527.Alexandria. . 

Clay. 10,33*2.Liberty. 1,127 

Clinton. 3,786.Plattsburg. 300 

Cole. 6.696.Jefferson City. L174 

Cooper. 12.9.50.Booneville. 2,581 

Crawford. 6,397.Sleelville.,.. 

Dade. 4.246.Greenfleld. . 

Dallas .. 3,648.Buffalo. . 

Daviess. 5,298.Gallatin. . 

De Kalb. 2.075.Maysville.^.... - 


3,721 


places from Jefferson Citg: St. Louis; Independence; St. Charles; 
Potosi; Herculaneum ; New Madrid. _ _ 

LESSON L. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. Prai¬ 
ries? 4. Rivers? 5. Vegetable products? S. Animals? 1. Min¬ 
erals? 3. Climate? 9. Soil? 10. Face of the country? 














































































































































100 


STATE OF MISSOURI. 


Counties. Pop. 

Dod«e. 

Dutikltn. 

Fruiiklin. 

(iaaconucle. 

(Jfntry. 

Orei’ii. 

(Jrundy. 

Harrison. 

Henry. 

Hickory. 

Holt. 

Howard. 

Jackson. 

Jjisper.. 

Jefferson. 

Johnson. 

Knox. 

l.aclede. 

[.aliiyette. 

Lawrence. 

Lewis. 

Lincoln . 

Linn. 

Livin(;slon. 

Macon. 

McDonald. 

Madison. 

Marion. 

Mercer. 

Miller. 

Mississippi. 

Moniteau. 

Monroe. 

Morifun. 

Monlgomeiy. 

New Madrid. 

Newton. 

Nodaway. 

Oregon. 

Osage. 

Ozark. 

Perry. 

Pettis. 

Pike. 

Platte. 

Polk. 

Puhiski. 

Putnam. 

Ralls. 

Randolph. 

Ray . 

Reynolds. 

Ripley. 

Pcotland. 

St. Charles. 

St. Clair. 

St. Francois. 

St. Genevieve. 

St. Louis. 

Saline. 

Schuyler.-. 

Scott. 

Shannon . 

Shelby. 

Stoddard. 

Sullivan. 

Taney. 

Texas.. 

Warren. 

Washington. 

Wayne. 

Wright. 


in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

353.Butler. . 

^ 229. 

] 1^021 .Union. . 

a’ciw.Hermann. . 

4248_".Athens. . 

3 :(;^:...:.::....T}ent 6 n.— 

2 447 .Bethany. . 

4’()52.Clinton. . 

2 ’ 3 .j 9 .Hermitage. . 

31957.Oregon. . 

13 ,(gig.Fayette. 1.000 

14,000 .Independence. 300 

4,223.Carthage. —- 

0,928.Hillsboro. 200 

7,404.Warrensburg.. 

2,894.Edina... 

2,498.Wiota. . 

13,690.Lexington. 2,354 

4J3.59.Mount Vernon.. 

6.578.Monticello. . 

9,421.Troy. 300 

4,058.Linmens. . 

4,247.Chilicothe. . • 

6,505.Bloomington. . 

2,230.Loomesville. . 

6,003.Fredericktown. . 

12,230.Palmyra.. 

2,091.Princeton. . 

3,H34.Tuscumbia. . 

3,123.Charleston. . 

0.004.California. . 

10,541.Paris. 400 

4,650.Versailles. 200 

5,489.Danville.,. 1,299 

5,541.New Madrid. 1,668 

4,268.Neosho.. 

2,118.Nodaway. . 

1.432.•Thomasville. . 

6,704.Alexandria. . 

2,294.Rockbridge. . 

7,215.Perry ville. 200 

5,150... .Georgetown. .. 

13,609.Bowling Green. . 

16,845.Platte City. . 

6,186.Bolivar. . 

3,998.Waynesville. 125 

1,057.Putnamville. . 

6,151.New London. 263 

9,439.Huntsville. . 

10,373.Richmond. 500 

1,849.Leslerville. . 

2,830.Doniphan. . 

3,782.Memphis.. 

11,454.St. Charles. 2,«18 

3.55t).Osceola. —— 

4,904 .Farmington. 2.i0 

5^313 .St. Genevieve.1,607 

104,978.St. Louis.16,469 77 ^ 

8,843.Marshall. . 

3,287.Lancaster. . 

3.181.Benton. . 

1,199.Shannon ville. . 

4,253.Shelbyville. . 

Ui77.Bloomfield. . 

2,983.Milan.. 

4,373.Forsyth. . 

^312.Ellsworth. . 

5,860.Warrenton. . 

8,811.Potosi. 500 

4,518.Greenville. . 

3.387.Uartville. . 


12. Agriculture.— ^Maize and the small grains are the 
staple productions. Cotton grows in the southeastern part 
of the state, and the fruits of the temperate regions thrive. 

13. Manufactures. —Various, and increasing. 

14. Commerce.— The principal trade centers at St. 
Louis, which has a large intercourse with New Orleans. 
There is an active fur trade from St. Louis with the Indians 
of the Far West. There is considerable overland traffic 
centering at Santa Fe, in New Mexico. 

15. Education. — The University of St. Louis, a 
Catholic institution at St. Louis, was founded in 1829; 
St. Mary’s College, at Barren’s, also Catholic, was founded 
in 1830; Marion College, at New Palmyra, was founded 
in 1831 ; Missouri University, at Columbia, was founded 
in 1840. St. Charles’ College, at St. Charles, is a Metho- 


11. Divisioii,s? 1.2. Agriculture ? 13. Manufactures ? 14. Com¬ 
merced 15. Mining? 16. Education? 17. Towns? 18. In- 


dist institution, founded in-1839. Fayette College, at Fay¬ 
ette, is a new institution. There is a considerable number 
of academies, and numerous common schools. 

16. Chief Towns. — St. Louis, a city, and the prin¬ 
cipal one in the state, is situated on the Avest bank of the 
Mississippi, twenty miles below its junction w'ith the Mis¬ 
souri. It was founded in IVCI, but first became flourishing 
since the cession of Louisiana to the United States. Its 
position has rendered it an important commercial depot, and 
it has an active river trade. It is 1200 miles above New 
Orleans, and the river is here navigable, at all stages of 
water, for the largest steamboats, but is sometimes closed 
by ice in winter. Steamboats run regularly to New Orleans, 
Louisville, and Pittsburg ; to Fort Snelling, 725 miles above 
St. Louis, on the Mississippi ; to Fort Leavenworth, 400 
miles up the Missouri; and to tlie various intermediate places. 
The situation of the city is pleasant. It is well built, and 
is already one of the great emporiums of the West. This 
city is 1021 miles from Fort Laramie, 1521 from Salt 
Lake, and 2300 from St. Francis. Jefferson City, on the 
Missouri, in the center of the state, is the capital. Han¬ 
nibal City, at the extremity of the Hannibal and St. 
Joseph Railroad, is a new and increasing town. It is 
expected that this railroad will be continued to the Pa¬ 
cific. Herman, St. Joseph, Glasgow, and Boonville, all 
on the Missouri, are growing towns. Independence is a 
depot for traders with Santa Fe. Herculaneum and Potosi 
are thriving villages, which derive importance from the 
lead mines. 

17. Inliabitaiits.— This state being first settled by 
the French, has a considerable population of French de¬ 
scent. The other settlers were mostly from the other 
states. The slaves constitute about one-seventh part of 
the population. 

18. History*—This state was visited by De Soto in 
1541. Some settlements were made by the French in 1764. 
It was part of the Louisiana purchase, but, previous to its 
acquisition by the United States, it contained few inhabit¬ 
ants. In 1804 it became a territory, and a state in 1820. 
The question of admitting this state with or without slavery 
produced great excitement in Congress. It was finally ad¬ 
mitted by what is called the Missouri Compromise, pro¬ 
posed by Mr. Clay. This tolerated slavery in Missouri, 
but fixed the latitude of 36° 30' as a line, north of which 
slavery should not exist in the territory of the United 
States. 

19. Earthquakes.— Shocks of earthquakes have fre¬ 
quently been felt in this state. Several shocks were felt at 
Kaskaskia in 1804, by which the soldiers stationed there 
were aroused from sleep. In 1812, wide chasms opened 
in the earth, from which columns of water and sand burst 
forth; hills disappeared, and lakes took their place; the 
beds of lakes were raised, and became dry land ; rivers 
changed their course, and the Mississippi flowed backward 
toward its source for a whole hour, until its accumulated 
waters gathered strength to break through the barrier 
that had dammed them back; boats Avere dashed to 
pieces, electric fires flashed through the air, and rumblings 
were heard in the earth. Wide forests were‘also SAvallowed 
up. At the same time, violent agitations occurred in the 
Azores and the West Indies, Avhile the cities of Caraccas 
and Laguayra Avere nearly destroyed. 


habitants ? 19. History ? 

1 of the shock of 1812. 


20. Earthquakes ? Give a description 

























































































































































































































STATE OF TENNESSEE. 101 



Lesson LT... State of Tennessee. 

1. Cliaracteristics. —This is the oldest of the West¬ 
ern States, and enjoys a remarkably fine climate. 

2. Mountains. —Several parallel chains of the Appa¬ 
lachian system traverse the eastern part of the state. The 
Cumberland Mountains, a continuation of the Laurel chain, 
enter the state from Virginia, extend through it in a south¬ 
westerly direction, dividing it into two natural sections, 
called by geographers East Tennessee and West Tennessee, 
and pass into Alabama. The eastern boundary is formed 
by the Kittatinny chain, under the local names of Iron 
Mountain, Bald Mountain, Unika Mountain, &c. The 
Cumberland chain is nowhere above 1000 feet in elevation. 

3. Valleys.— The valleys of the small rivers are ex¬ 
tremely beautiful, and rich beyond any of the same de¬ 
scription in the Western States. The valleys of the great 
streams, the Tennessee and Cumberland, differ little from 
the alluvions of the other great rivers of the West. In 
the small valleys are many fine plantations, so lonely that 
they seem lost among the mountains. 

4. Kivers. —The Tennessee rises in the Alleghany 
Mountains, traverses East Tennessee and part of Alabama, 
re-enters Tennessee, crosses almost the whole width of it 
into Kentucky, and runs into the Ohio, fifty-seven miles 
above its junction with the Mississippi. It is near 1200 
miles in length, and is the largest tributaiy of the Ohio. 
It has numerous branches, and is navigable for boats for 
1000 miles ; most of the branches rise among the mount¬ 
ains, and are too shallow for navigation, except during the 
floods, which take place occasionally at all seasons of the 
year, and allow flat-boats to be floated down to the main 
stream. The principal branches are the Holston, Clinch, 
French Broad, and Hiwassee. The river Cumberland rises 
in the Cumberland Mountains in Kentucky, and after a 
course of nearly 200 miles in that state, passes into Ten¬ 
nessee, through which it makes a circuit of 250 miles, when 
it re-enters Kentucky, and falls into the Ohio. Steamboats 
of the largest size ascend this river to Nashville, and keel- 
boats, in moderate stages of the water, 300 miles further. 
The Obion, Forked Deer, and Wolf rivers, in the western 
part of the state, flow into the Mississippi; these are all 


Exercises on the Map of Tennessee .—Extent of Tennes¬ 
see ? Population ? Population to the square mile ? Boundaries ? 
. What part of the state is mountainous ? Where does the Tennessee 
, River cross the state ? Which way does the Cumberland River flow? 


navigable for boats. No part of the western country is bet¬ 
ter watered than Tennessee. 

5. Curiosities.— The mountains of this state contain 
many remarkable caverns, most of which abound in nitrous 
earth. One of them, 400 feet below the surface, consists 
of smooth limestone rock, with a stream of water sufficient 
to turn a mill. A cave on a high peak of the Cumberland 
Mountains has a perpendicular descent, the bottom of 
which has never been sounded. Big Bone Cave was found 
to contain huge bones of the mastodon and megalonyx. 
The Enchant^ Mountains, which are spurs of the Cum¬ 
berland ridge, have footprints of men, horses, and other 
animals distinctly marked in the solid limestone rock. The 
human feet have six toes, and one of the tracks is sixteen 
inches lonsf. 

6. Vegetable Products.— Nearly all the forest trees 
of the western country are found in this state. Juniper, 
red cedar, and savin cover the mountains. The sugar- 
maple is abundant. Many medicinal plants are indigenous. 
Apples, pears, and plums are raised in perfection. To¬ 
bacco, hemp, and cotton flourish. 

7. Animals. —Deer, wild turkeys, grouse, and the 
smaller quadrupeds are still abundant in parts of this state. 

8. Minerals.— Gypsum, marble, and iron are the 
most valuable and abundant mineral productions. Lead 
mines have been worked, and saltpeter is obtained from 
the nitrous earth of the limestone caves. The gold region 
extends into the northeastern part of the state, but gold 
has not been found in great quantities. Alum and silver 
are met with. There are many sulphureous springs in the 
eastern part of Tennessee. Salt springs are common, but 
of no great strength. Coal is abundant. 

9. Climate. —The climate is delightful, being milder 
than in Kentucky, and free from the intense heat which 
prevails in the southern portion of the Mississippi valley. 
Snows of some depth are frequent in the winter, but the 
summers, especially in the higher regions, are mild. In 
these parts, the salubrity of the climate is thought to equal 
that of any part of the United States ; but the low val¬ 
leys, where stagnant waters abound, and the alluvions of 
the great rivers, are unhealthy. 

10. Soil. —The soil in East Tennessee is remarkably 


In which part of the state is Knoxville? Memphis? Capital of 
Tennessee ? 

liESSOIT LI. 1. Characteristics of Tennessee ? 2. Mount¬ 

ains? 3. Valleys? 4. Rvvers? 5. Curiosities? 6. Vegetable 









































102 


STATE OF TENNESSEE. 


fertile, containing great proportions of lime. In West 
Tennessee the soil is various, and the strata descend from 
the mountains in the following order: first, loamy soil, or 
mixtures of clay and sand ; next, yellow clay ; thirdly, a. 
mixture of red sand and red clay : lastly, white sand. In 
the southern parts are immense beds of oyster-shells, on 
high table-land, at a distance from any stream. The soil 
of the valleys and alluvions is extremely fertile. 

11. Face of tUe Couatry* —Eastern Tennessee is 
mountainous, or hilly, and presents highly picturesque sce¬ 
nery. Toward the center of tlie state the surface softens 
imperceptibly into less bold outlines; and west of the Ten¬ 
nessee, it slopes down to the Mississippi. 

10. DivisioBss. —Tennessee is divided as follows : 


Counties. 
Auclerson ... 

Bledsoe. 

Blount. 

Briidley. 

Campbell ..■< 

Carter. 

Claiborne .•.• 

Cocke . 

Granger. 

Green.. 

Hamilton -... 
Hancock .... 
Hawkins -... 
Jefferson .... 
Johnson 

Knox. 

Marion. 

McMinn •••. 

Meigs. 

Monroe. 

Morgan. 

Polk. 

Rhea. 

Roane. 

Scott. 

Sevier. 

Sullivan .... 
Washington. 


Bedford. 

Jannon. 

Coffee. 

Davidson . •• 
Do Kalb .... 

Dickson. 

Fentress • • • > 
Franklin .... 

Giles. 

Grundy. 

Hickman.... 
Humphreys . 

Jackson . 

Hiiwreuce ... 

Lewis. 

Lincoln . • ■.• 

Macon. 

Marshall .... 

Maury. 

Montgomery 

Overton. 

Uobertson. -• 
Rutherford .. 

Smith. 

Stewart.... • 

Sumner. 

Van Biu'en.. 

Warren .- 

Wayne. 

White. 

Williamson . 
Wilson. 


Benton.... 
Carroll.. - • 
Decatur... 

Dyer. 

Fayette . •. 
Gibson - •• • 
Hardeman 
Hardin •••• 


E.4STERN DISTRICT. 


Pop. in 1850. County Town*. 

... G,0:i8.Clinton. 

... .I.O.VJ.Pikeville.T.... 

... 12,382.Maryville. 

... 12,259.Cleveland. 

... 0,01)8.Jacksborough. 

... 6,290.Elizabethtown 

... 9,309.Tazewell. 

... 8,300.Newport. 

... 12,370.Rutledge. 

... 17,824.Greenville_ 

... 10,075.Harri.son. 

... .5.000.Sneedville_ 

... 13,370.Rogersville... 

... 13,204.Danbridge- 

... 3,705.Taylorsville... 

... 18,755.Kno-wille- 

... 0.314.Jasper. 

... 13,900 .Athens. 

... 4,879.Decatur. 

... 10,874.Madisonville.. 

... 3,430.Montgomery .. 

... 0,338.••••Benton.. 

... 4,415.Washington.. 

... 12,185.Kingston. 

... 1,905. 

... 0,920.Sevierville ... 

...' 11,742.Blountsville... 

... 13.801.Jonesboro’.... 


Pop. in 1840. 


150 

500 


150 

75 


1,500 

1,000 


500 

no 

900 


MIDDLE DISTRICT. 


800 


6,929 


21,512.Shelbyville. 

8,982.Woodbury . 

8,351.Manchester. 

38,881.Nashville... 

8,010.Smithville. . 

8,404.Charlotte. . 

4,454.larneslown.. 

13,708.Winchester. 700 

25,949 .Pulaski. 900 

2,773.Altamont.:. . 

9,397.Centreville. . 

6,4'22.VVaverly. 200 

15,673.Gainesborough. . 

9,280.Lawrenceburg. 350 


... 23,492. 

... 11^011. 

.Favelteville. 

_2,000 



.... 275 



. 1.500 


.Ciirlhage. 

.... 000 



, . . . - 


999 


22,717.Gallatin. 

2.074.Spencer. 

10,179.McMinnville. 

8,170.W.ay nesboro’. 

11.444 .Sparta. 

27,201.Franklin. . 

27.444 .Lebanon. E.'iOO 


75 

350 


WESTERN DISTRICT. 

... 6,315.Camden. . 

... 15,907.Huntington. . 

... 6,003.Decaturville. .. 

... 0,301.Dyersburg. —7- 

... 20,719.Somerville. 750 

... 19,548.Trenton. 700 

... 17,456..... Bolivar. 500 

... 10,328.Suvaninih . 250 


1850. 


17,502 


Counties. Pop. in 1850* 

Haywood. 17,2.59- 

Henderson. 13,104. 

Henry. 18,233-- 

Lauderdale. 5,109- 

Madison. 21,470- 

McNairy. 12,864. 

Obion. 7,033- 

Perry. 5.8-22. 

Shelby. 31,157- 

Tipton. 8,887- 

Weakley. 14,008 


County Town*. 

- Brownsville 

• Lexington • 

. Paris. 

. Ripley. 

. Jiickson. 

. Purdy. 

•Troy. 

• .Shannonsville, 

■ Raleigh. 

. Covington • • • • 

• Dresden. 


Pop. in 1840. 

228 

.... 250 

1,200 

250 

3,300 


I860. 


13. Agriciiltui’c. —Cotton is the chief article of cul¬ 
ture, but wheat, rye, barley, oats, and maize are also raised. 
Hemp and tobacco are extensively cultivated. Most of the 
fruits of the United States grow luxuriantly here. 

14. MamifactuB’es. —The manufactures of iron, hemp, 
cotton, tobacco, and cordage are considerable in amount, 
and there are some larefe establishments of these. 

15. Commerce. —The exports of this state consist of 
tar, spirits of turpentine, rosin, lampblack, whisky, cotton 
bagging, flour, corn, cotton, grains, saltpeter, gunpowder, 
pork^, live stock, &c. Tobacco is a leading article. Nash¬ 
ville and Memphis are the chief commercial towns. 

16. Milling'. —The iron mines are wrought to a consid¬ 
erable extent. Saltpeter is obtained from the caves. 

17. Railroads. —There are several important railroads. 

18. Edsicalioii. — Greenville College, at Greenville, 
was founded in 1794. The University at Nashville, iornid.- 
ed in 1806, is one of the most important institutions in the 
Western States. Wa.shington College is in Washington 
county, and Jackson College at Columbia. East Tennessee 
College is at Knoxville, and there is a Presbyterian theo¬ 
logical institution at Marysville, in East Tennessee. There 
are some other colleges, numerous academies, and many 
common schools in the larger towns. 

19. Chief Towns. — Nashville, in West Tennessee, 
is the largest town in the state, and the seat of government. 

It stands on the south bank of the Cumberland River, in . 
a pleasant situation, near high bluffs. It has a college, 
and is much frequented during the hot months by the in¬ 
habitants of the lower country. Tlie river is navigable for 
steamboats to this place. Knoxville is the chief town of 
East Tennessee. It is situated on the Holston, and is a 
thriving place, with some manufactories. East Tennessee 
College is in Knoxville. Murfreesborough, in West Ten¬ 
nessee, was formerly the seat of government for the state. 
Memphis has a fine situation .on the site of old Fort Pick¬ 
ering, on the Mississippi, at a point where the great western 
road strikes the river. It is a modern settlement, but is a 
growing and important place, with a large commerce. 

20. History. —Tennessee is the oldest of the West¬ 
ern States ; the first settlements were made in the year 
1754. The emigrants consisted of about fifty families 
from North Carolina, who established themselves where 
Nashville now stands ; but being attacked by the Indians, 
they returned. In 1765 the first permanent settlements 
Avere made; these were in the eastern part. Nashville 
was founded as late as 1780. The settlers, previous to 
this, were greatly disturbed by the Indians, who Avere 
originally very numerous here. The earliest inhabitants 
Avere generally emigrants from North Carolina and Vir¬ 
ginia. The country Avas included within the limits of North 
Carolina till 1790, Avhen it Avas placed under a territorial 
goA’ernment. In 1796, it Avas admitted into the Union as a 
state. The constitution Avas revised in 1834. 


prodiicts? l.Animah? Q. Mitierals? 9. Climate? 10. 14. Manufactures? 15. Commerce? 16. 3Ii7nng? 11. Rail- 

11. Face of the c<n>.ntry? 12. Divisions? 13. Agriculture? \ roads? 18. Education? 19. Towns? 20. History? 

























































































































































































































STATE OF KENTUCKY. 


103 


Extent, S7,680 square miles. 


39 




U 7 Xoji..'>Yc&t Greea-wiclii 


\ Evansrfllc 




JO 


8|.l 

.Cinciuuati 


orvrrio'floii* 


iTaOison 


V 

a-wncctcrwn' 




/Salcjii 


I 3 icilfora 

Xai jrajijJt' 
If(nv Alb aii;^ 
loiiisv 11^ 

A 


Augii^ta. • 
ren, ilkfertllc*. 


jCynfliia.W'' 
JOweuion 




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iluUbVTiUhl •(icoigcbmu <4% _ 

•VI I nibesl cr'—^^^boiusif 1 ^ 
U c^- ~W esia.i3).r!i‘ty-^ 


r^rsvait.^ ers jil 




ffL Si>ri,uafinld ^•Luncaslc: 


Icnaecsolj o llai dmsl.iirg', 

'-V L EiizaWtbt rvm ? i “■ 

0-«t^ — bcbaii^- ^ C-Sljuiibr. 

-litclMeia ^iborV 

•IViTicelon _. | ^BoMaiu-J. Gret n "• Jamp?. rboii^-ni 

^lontic^o 


0^^ 


idueah'^ \ -1. \/'J'’'' 

.ilvkW 

M^5iiidd\*4 Y«\^-G^i2 liL'scUrin, 

£1 

iL 


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0 Xon-IVest fro;n. 'Wasbioaton. 




37 


Population in ISaO, 982,405.—Population to the square mile, 26.07. 


Lesson LII... State of Kentucky. 

1. Cliaracterislics. —This state is noted for its fine 
climate, its remarkable caves, and its curious early history. 

2. MouiitaiMS.—The Cumberland Mountains skirt 
the southeastern part of the state bordering upon Virginia. 

3. Valleys. —The valleys of the small rivers in this 
state are beautiful and fertile. 

4. Barrens. —Along the southern border is a tract 
improperly called the barrens, consisting of rounded, de¬ 
tached hills, Avooded with oak, chestnut, elm, &c. 

5. Kivers. —The Cumberland and Tennessee have a 
part of their course in this state, and the Ohio and Missis¬ 
sippi wash its borders. The Big Sandg rises in the Appa¬ 
lachian Mountains in Virginia, and flows into the Ohio, 
after a northwesterly course of about 250 miles, for fifty of 
which it is navigable for boats. Licking River has a course 
of 200 miles, and is navigable during the season of high 
3 vater. The river Kentucky rises on the northwestern slope 
of the Cumberland Mountains, and has a rapid current, and 
a deep, rocky bed. Large steamboats go up to Frankfort, 
sixty miles. Green River flows through a country remark¬ 
able for its fertility and beautiful scenery, and has a course 
of upward of 200 miles, for most of which distance it is 
navigable for boats. 

6. Curiosities. —This state, like Tennessee, abounds 
in extensive caverns. Mammoth Cave, near Green River, 
has been explored nearly ten miles. About t^venty rooms 
have been discovered, and here are found subterranean 
streams, waterfalls, and pits of an unknown depth. Several 
of the rooms are of great extent, and have received appro¬ 
priate names. The Haunted Chamber is two miles long, 
twenty feet high, and ten wide, the roof being supported by 
beautiful pillars. One apartment is assigned to the Evil 
Spirit, where he has o, dining-table, forging-shop, &c. In 


one place, there is a 
considerable stream, 
in which there is a 
species of fish with¬ 
out eyes. It is neces¬ 
sary that a stranger 
who would explore 
this wonderful ca¬ 
vern should be at¬ 
tended by a guide 
familiar with the 
place. In this state 
are also many singu¬ 
lar cavities, or de¬ 
pressions in the sur¬ 
face of the ground, 
called “ sink-holesT They are commonly in the shape of in- 
vei’ted cones, sixty or seventy feet m depth, and from sixty 
to 300 feet in circumference, at the top. Their sides and 
bottoms are generally covered with willows and aquatic 
productions. The ear can often distinguish the sound of 
waters flowing under them, and it is believed that they are 
perforations in the bed of limestone below the soil, Avhich 
have caused the earth above to sink. Sometimes the 
ground has been opened, and disclosed a subterraneous 
stream of water at the bottom of the cavities. 

7. Mineral Springs. — There are numerous salt- 
springs, called licks by the inhabitants, from the circum¬ 
stance that the earth about them has been licked out by the 
bison and deer. Near these localities, the gigantic bones of 
the mastodon have been found, which have rendered it prob¬ 
able that these places have long been the resort of wild ani¬ 
mals. The Olympian Springs, fifty miles east of Lexington, 
and the Blue Licks, not far from Maysville, are sulphure¬ 
ous. The Harrodsburg Springs, in Mercer county, and the 



Exercises on the Map of Kentucky .—Extent of Kentucky? 
Population? Population to the square mile? Boundaries? What 
river between Virginia and Kentucky ? What between Kentucky and 
Ohio ? Bidiana and Illinois ? Capital of Kentucky ? Direction of 


the following places from Frankfort: Louisville; Hawesville; Lex 
ington. 

LESSON LII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. Val¬ 
leys ? 4. Barrens ? 5. Riven ? 6. Curiosities ? 7. Mineral 



























































104 


STATE OF KENTUCKY. 


Greenville Sprinr/s, m ^Nluhlenburg, are saline waters. The 
former, in particular, are much resorted to. In the east¬ 
ern counties there are burning springs, caused by cur¬ 
rents of carbonated hydrogen gas issuing from the earth, 
and which take fire on the application of a light. Oil or 
petrolium S2)rings are found in Allen county, and other 
places. The petrolium, called Seneca oil, is collected and 
used by the inhabitants, in the belief of its possessing rare 
medicinal virtues. 

8. Vegetable Products. —The forest trees «omprise 
the maple, beech, birch, poplar, hickory, various kinds of 
oak, ash, sycamore, pawpaw, buckeye, cherry, dogwood, 
elm, horn-beam, &:c. There are few evergreens except the 
cypress. Several medicinal plants, such as ginseng, vale¬ 
rian, columbo, snake-root, and blood-root, are indigenous. 
Hemp is well adapted to the soil. 

9. Animals. —Bears, deer, wild turkeys, the opossum, 
raccoon, &c., are common in the wooded regions. 

10. Minerals. —Salt and iron are the most important 
minerals. The most extensive salt-works west of the 
mountains are in Kentucky. Bituminous coal, limestone, 
marble, and nitrous earth, which yields large quantities of 
saltpeter, abound. Petrolium, or mineral oil, which ignites 
easily, and burns brilliantly, has been found. 

11. Climate. —The climate of this state does not differ 
materially from that of Tennessee. The air, however, is 
somewhat more moist. The winter begins late in Decern- 

O 

ber, and never lasts longer than three months. 

12. Soil. —This state has a highly fertile and productive 
soil, although there are some sterile tracts. In the center 
of the state is a region of about 150 miles long, by from 
fifty to 100 wide, which, from its richness, is called the 
Garden of the State. The barrens are by no means unpro¬ 
ductive, but received that name because they were origin¬ 
ally destitute of trees. The whole country rests upon a 
bed of limestone, from three to ten feet below the surface, 
which gives great vigor to the vegetation. 

13. Fa<5e of tlie Country. —The surface has a gen¬ 
eral slope towai'd the northwest, together with a gradual 
declivity to the west. The elevation of the southeastern 
counties is about 1200 feet above the sea, while that of the 
western is not more than 350. The latter form an almost 
absolute level, which toward the center rises into rounded 
swells, presenting an agreeably diversified and undulating 
appearance. The eastern part is broken and mountainous. 

14. Divisions. —Kentucky is divided as follows: 


Conn ties. 

Pop. in IS50. 

County Towns. 

Pop. in 1840. 

Adair. 




Allen. 




Anderson. 




Ballard. 



. ■ 

Barren -. 



. 505 





Boone. 




Bourbon. 




Boyle. 



. . 

Bracken. 


.Brook ville. 


Breathitt. 



. . 

Breckenridge 



. 634 

Bullitt. 



. . 

Butler. 



. . 

Caldwell. 



.. 

Callaway. 



. 165 

Campbell. 



.1,016 

Carroll. 


.Carrollton. 

. . 

Carter. 



. . 




1*1*; 

Christian .... ... 



. 1,-581 

Clark. 



. 1,047 

Clay. 



_ 

Clinton. 



_ 

Crittenden. 





Cumberland . 

Daviess. 

Edmonson .. 

Estill. 

Fayette. 


Floyd , 


County Towns. 

7^005.Burkes ville. 

12,:1.V3.Owensboro’. 


5,985.Irvine . 

22,735.Lexing 


5,714. 


Fulton. 4,440.Hickman. 

Gallatin. 5,137.Warsaw. 

Garrard. 10,237.Lancaster. 

Grant. 6,531.Williamstown . 

Graves. 11,397.Mayfield. 

Grayson. 6,837.Litchfield. 


Greenup 

Hancock 


9,654.Greenupsburg. 

3,853.Hawesville- 


4,268.Mount Pleasant. 

12,904.Cynthiana. 

9,093.Munfordsville ., 

12,171.Henderson. 


Harlan. 

Harrison. 

Hart. 

Henderson. 

Henry. 11,442.New Castle .. 

Hickman. 4,791.Clinton. 

Hopkins. 12,441..Madisonville. 

Jefferson. 59,831.Louisville.... 

Jessamine. 10,249.Nicliolasville 

Johnson. 3,873.Paintville- 

Kenton. 17,038.Independenci 

Knox. 7,050.Barbourville. 

Laurel. 4,145.London. . 

La Rue. 5,859.Larue. . 

Lawrence. 6,281.Louisa. . 

Letcher. 2,512.Brashersville. . 

Lewis. 7,202.Clarksburg. . 

Lincoln. 10,093.Stanford. 263 

Livingston. 6,578.Smithland. 233 

Logan.16,581.Russellville. 1,196 

Madison. 15,727.Richmond. 822 

Marion. 11,765-.Lebanon. 546 

Mason. 18,344..Maysville.,.. 2,741 

Marshall. 5,269.Benton 

McCracken. 6,067 -.. 

Meade. 7,393... 

Mercer. 14,067-.. 

Monroe. 7,756... 

Montgomery. 9,903... 

Morgan. 7,620-.. 

M uh lenburg. 9,809 -.. 

Nelson. 14,789-.. 

Nicholas. 10,361... 

Ohio. 9,749... 

Oldham. 7,629-.. 

Owen. 10,444 •.. 

Owsley. 3,774... 

Pendleton. 6,774-.. 

Perry. 2,192-.. 

Pike. 5,365-.. 

Pulaski.14,195... 

Rock Castle. 4,697... 

Russell. 5,349... 

Scott. 14,946... 

Shelby. 17,095... 

Simpson. 7,733... 

Spencer. 6,842... 

Taylor. 7,250... 

Todd. 12,268... 

Trigg.10,129... 

Trimble. 5,963-.. 

Union. 9,012 

Warren. 15,123-.'. 

Washington. 12,194... 

Wayne. 8,692... 

Whitley. 7,447-.. 

Woodford .. 12.423... 


Pop. in 1840. 

1850 

. 112 


.6.997 

. 591 

. 84 

. 1,917 

4,372 

. 600 

_ 480 


.... 585 


. 420 

.... 979 


.... 798 

_ 274 


.... 528 


51 

_ 21 , 210 - 

. 632 

43,217 

.... 2,026 

9,687 


4,255 


Paducah. . 

.Brandenburg. . 

.Harrodsburg. 1.2.54 

.Tompkinsville. 188 

.Mount Sterling. > 585 

.West Liberty. . 

.Greenville.. 

.Bardstown. 1,492 

.Carlisle... 256 

.Hartford. 309 

.La Grange. 233 

.Owenton. 227 

.Proctor.. 

.Falmouth. . 

.Hazard. . 

.Pikeville. ^2 

.Somerset. 238 

.-Mount V’ernon. 209 

.Jamestown.. 

.Georgetown. 1,511 

.Shelby ville. 1,335 

.Franklin. . 

.Taylorsville. 398 

.Campbellsville. . 

.KIkton. 470 

.Cadiz. . 

.Bedford. 148 

.Morganfleld. . 

.Bowling Green. . 

.Springfield. 598 

.Monticello. 142 

.Williamsburg. . 

.Versailles. 1,044 

Hemp, wheat, and tobacco are the 
The wheat is of the finest kind, and 
abundance. All the srrains and 


15. Agricultiircf. 

staples of the state, 
maize is raised in great 
fruits of the temperate climates are cultivated with success. 

16. Commerce. —An extensive trade is carried on, by 
way of the Ohio, in steamboats and nver craft; partly up the 
river through the Ohio Canal and to Pittsburg, but chiefly 
with New Orleans, There is also an active overland trade 
with the Atlantic states. Flour, butter, cheese, beef, pork, 
maize, whisky, cider, hemp, and tobacco are the principal 
articles of export. Cattle, horses, and swine are also sent 
out of the state in great numbers—down the river, in flat- 
boats, or across the mountains. 

IV. Canals.— T\ic Louisville and Portland Cano/passes 
round the falls of the Ohio, between those two towns. It 


springs? 8. Vegetable products? 9. Animals? 10. Minerals? 


ill. Climate? 12. Soil? 13. Face of the country? 14. J)ivi- 





















































































































































































































































































































STATE OF 

ii3 two miles and a half in length, and admits the passage 
of steamboats of the largest size. Most of it is cut through 
a solid rock of limestone. It overcomes a fall of twenty- 
four feet in the river. There are other important canals. 

18. Railroads. —The Lexington and Ohio Railroad 
extends from Lexington, through Frankfort, to Shipping- 
port, two miles below Louisville, a distance of ninety-six 
miles. Other railroads are projected. There are macad¬ 
amized roads from Maysville to Lexington, sixty-four miles, 
and from Bardstown to Louisville, forty miles. 

19. Manufactures. —Kentucky has become a con¬ 
siderable manufacturing state. Cotton ^and woolen goods, 
cordage, glass, and iron, are the principal articles. 

20. liitiabitauts. —The inhabitants are principally de¬ 
scended from the Virginians, who first settled the country. 
The courtesy and dignity of the Virginian, blent with the 
more dashing qualities of the hunter and woodsman, have 
foi'med in Kentuck)^ a peculiar and agreeable style of man¬ 
ners. Frankness, bravery, enterprise, and hospitality are 
characteristic of the Kentuckian. The most favorable 
example of western manners is to be found here, and it is 
the more important, as it appears to be the standard to 
which western society tends, in its advances toward refine¬ 
ment. The slaves form about one-fourth of the population. 

21. Education. — Transylvania University , at Lexing¬ 
ton, is one of the most important seminaries in the Western 
States ; medical and law schools are connected with it. 
Cumberland College, at Princeton, is patronized by the 
Cumberland Presbyterians; Center College, at Danville, by 
the Presbyterians; St. Joseph's, at Bardstown, by the 
Roman Catholics; Augusta College, at Augusta, by the 
Methodists ; and Georgetown College, at Georgetown, by 
the Baptists. There are some other colleges. The state 
has a literary fund, but free schools have not been intro¬ 
duced. Elementary schools are, however, numerous, and 
there is a growing interest in the subject of education. 

22. Chief Towus. —The city of Louisville stands on 
the southern bank of the Ohio, about a quarter of a mile 
above the principal declivity of the falls. A stream called 
Beargrass Creek falls into the river above the town, and 
affords a harbor for the steamboats and river craft. The 
site of the city is a gently sloping plain. The principal 
streets run parallel with the Ohio, and command a fine view 
of the opposite shore. The main street is a mile in length, 
compactly built, and has many fine buildings. The town 
has considerable manufactures of cordage, bagging, &c., and 
a great commerce by way of the river. Lexington is the 
oldest town in the state, and was for many years the seat 
of government. It stands in a beautiful spot, in the center 
of the richest tract in the state. The principal street is a 
mile and a quarter in length, spacious, and well-paved. 
The buildings are much superior, in size and elegance, to 
those of the other towns in the state, and may compare 
with those of the Atlantic country. The Transylvania 
University is established here. The town has manufactories 
of woolen, cotton, cordage, paper, &c. The general ap¬ 
pearance of the town is neat, and the neighborhood is 
adorned with many handsome villas, and finely ornamented 
rural mansions. Maysville, on the Ohio, a considerable 
distance above Louisville, opens a narrow bottom below the 
mouth of Limestone Creek, which affords a, harbor for 
boats. It is a thriving town, and enjoys both the river and 

1 

KENTUCKY. lOii 

inland trade. It has manufactories of glass and other arti¬ 
cles. Frankfort is the seat of government. It stands on 
the east bank of the Kentucky, sixty miles above its en¬ 
trance into the Ohio, and occupies a deep valley. The 
State-house is built of rough marble, taken from quarries in 
the deep limestone banks of the river. Here is also the 
state penitentiary. A chain bridge crosses the river. Ves¬ 
sels designed for the sea have been built here, and floated 
down the river to New Orleans. Newport and Covington 
are two small towns on the Ohio, divided by Licking River. 

They are directly opposite Cincinnati, and may be consid¬ 
ered as suburbs of that city. Newport has an arsenal of 
the United States. Tliese towns exhibit a beautiful appear¬ 
ance from the hills north of Cincinnati. At Hawesville, on 
the Ohio, cannel coal is found in large quantities. 

23. History. —This state was originally a part of Vir¬ 
ginia, and was first settled by the celebrated Daniel Boone, 
and others, in 1769. In 1790 it was separated from Vir¬ 
ginia, and admitted into the Union in 1792. The present 
constitution was adopted in 1799. It was revised in 1849. 

24. Col. Rooiie. —The history of this individual de¬ 
serves particular notice. Long after Virginia was settled, 
Kentucky remained unexplored, occupied, however, by 
numerous Indians, who found a kind of paradise amid its 
forests, filled with the bison, deer, bear, wild turkey, and 
other species of game. In 1769, Boone went with three 
other persons to visit this region. Two of his companions 
were killed, and the other returned, leaving him alone in the 
wilderness. After a time, he went back to his family, who 
lived on the banks of the Yadkin, in North Carolina. He 
was an eccentric man, and preferred the Avild woods to 
meadows and wheat-fields. Accordingly, he determined to 
return to Kentucky; and in 1773, went there with fifty 
families beside his own, and forty men. These penetrated 
into the forests, and made the first settlement in Kentucky. 

Other settlers continued to arrive, and the population thus 
gradually increased. In 1775, Boone assisted in building a 
fort at a place which was called Boonesborough, and, when 
completed, he removed his family thither. Two years after, 
he sustained two formidable sieges from the Indians, whom 
he repulsed. In the following year, he was taken by the sav¬ 
ages while hunting, and carried to Detroit. He escaped, 
and at last returned to his family. Again the fort was in¬ 
vested by Indians and Canadian Frenchmen, four hundred 
and fifty strong. Boone, Avith fifty men, held out, and finally 
the assailants Avithdrew. During the Revolutionary Avar the 
inhabitants Avere much distressed by the Indians, who took 
part with the British, and committed every species of cru¬ 
elty upon the defenceless settlers. They were seA'erely 
punished, however, in 1778, by Gen. Clarke, who marched 
against them Avith a body of soldiers, and laid their country 
waste. From this time they became less hostile, and the 
white people lived in greater security. After this, the set¬ 
tlements flourished. The fruitful soil, the mild climate, and 
beautiful rivers of this region drew people to it from all 
parts of the country. Col. Boone himself, deprived of his 
estate by a lawsuit, returned to his former hunting life. 

He spent much of his time alone in the Avoods, subsisting 
upon Avild deer, which he killed Avith his rifle. He lived to 
a great age, and, Avhen a gray-haired old man, was still at¬ 
tached to the mode of life Avhich he had preferred in earlier 
days. He died within the state of Missouri, Sept., 1822. 

tions? Agriculture? 1.6. Commerce ? 11. Canals? IQ. Rail¬ 

roads? 19. Manufactures? 20. Inhabitants? 2.1. Education? 

14 

22, Chief towns? 23. History? 24. Col. Boone? What of his 
first visit to Kentucky ? 



























106 STATE OF OHIO. 


Extent, 39,961 square miles. 


oo 


o 


sx 

a.;> 

's 

-35 



5’ 


Population, 1,980,408.—Pop. to sq. m., 55. 


Lesson Llll...State of Ohio. 

1. Characteristics. —Ohio is the 
most populous and wealthy of the 
Western States. 

2. Mountains. —There are no ele¬ 
vations in this state which bear the 
name of mountains. 

3. Valleys. —There are numerous 
valleys along the riwrs, which are very 
fertile. 

4. Prairies. —There are many of 
these, though none of so great e.xtent 
as those farther west. Between the 
Scioto and the two Miami rivers, there 
are some which are low and marshy, 
producing tall, coarse, grass. In other 
parts, they are elevated and dry, Avith 
a fertile soil, though they often bear 
the local name of barrens. 

5. Kivers. —The Ohio washes the 
southern border of the state, affording 
great advantages for navigation. The 
principal rivers flowing from this state 
into the Ohio basin are the Mushingmn, 
the Scioto, and the Miami. The Mus¬ 
kingum rises in the northeastern part, 
and flows southerly into the Ohio. It 
is 200 miles in length, and is navigable 
for boats 100 miles. It is connected 
by a canal with Lake Erie. The Scioto 
rises in the central part, and flows 
southerly into the Ohio. It is about 
200 miles in length, and is navigable 
130 miles. There are rich and beautiful 
prairies on this river, and its valley is 
wide and fertile. The Great Miami 
rises in the Avestern part, and floAvs 
southerly to the Ohio ; it is about 100 
miles in length, and has a strong, but 
smooth and unbroken current. The 
Little Miami flows nearly parallel to 
the former, into the Ohio. Both these streams water a 
pleasant, healthy, and fertile country. The rivers of the 
Erie basin have a shorter course, and are obstructed by 
falls and rapids. The Maumee rises in the northeastern 
part of Indiana, and flows through the nortliAvestern part 
of this state, into Lake Erie, after a course of 220 miles ; 
it is broad and deep, but has an obstruction, from shoals 
and rapids, thirty-three miles above its mouth. The San¬ 
dusky rises in the northern part, and floAvs northerly into 
Lake Erie ; it is 100 miles in length, and is navigable for 
some distance. The Cuyahoga is a small stream in the 
northeast, falling into Lake Erie. The Ohio Canal passes 
along its Aalley to the lake. 

6. Bays and Harbors. —This state has above 150 
miles of coast upon Lake Erie. This extent embraces sev¬ 
eral harbors. Sandusky Bay, in the Avest, is twenty miles 
in length, and from three to four Avide ; it communicates 
Avith the lake by a narroAv strait, and affords an excellent 

Exercises on the Map of Ohio.— Extent of Ohio ? Bounda¬ 
ries ? Population ? Populatio^i to the square mile ? What river 
separates Ohio from Pennsylvania, Viryinia, rnd Kentucky ? What 
river in the northwest of the state ? What two rivers in the south¬ 
west / Describe the Scioto; Muskingum; Cuyahoga. Capital of 


harbor. The harbor of Cleveland, at the outlet of the 
Ohio Canal, and that of Ashtabula, farther east, are fre¬ 
quented by steamboats and other lake craft. 

7. Mineral Springes.— The Yellow Springs, in Green 
county, sixty-four miles north of Cincinnati, have been used 
Avith advantage in cases of chronic disease. The Avaters 
are chalybeate, and have a temperature of 52°. The 
Delaware White Sulphur Springs are similar to the sul¬ 
phur springs of Virginia. 

8. Vegetable Products. —The forests produce black- 
Avalnut, various species of oaks, hickory, sugar-maple, and 
several other sorts of maple, beech, birch, poplar, ash, syc¬ 
amore, paAvpaAV, buckeye, cherry, dogwood, elm, horn¬ 
beam, (fee. With the exception of a feAv cypress-trees, 
this state produces hardly any evergreens. Many sorts of 
medicinal roots are to be found here, as ginseng, valerian, 
columbo, snakeroot, and bloodroot. 

9. Animals. —The larger wild animals are considera- 

Ohio ? Direction of the follo>ieing places from Columbus : Cinc.n- 
noli; Marietta ; Dayton ; Steubenville ; Cleveland ? 

liESSON LIII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Val¬ 
leys ? 4. Prairies ? 5. Rivers ? 6. Bays and Harbors ? 7. Mitv 

eral' springs ? 8. Vegetable products ? 9. Animals ? 10. Minerals f 




























































STATE OF OHIO. 


bly reduced by the large population of th6 state. The 
bear, deer, and cougar are occasionally found in secluded 
spots. Wild turkeys and the smaller quadrupeds are still 
abundant. The cat-fish, which often weighs fifty pounds, 
and is common in the rivers of the West, is found also in 
the Ohio. The white-fish, one of the peculiar products of 
the Great Lakes, is sometimes taken in Lake Erie. 

10. Itlinerals. —The four most important of all min¬ 
eral productions—coal, salt, limestone, and iron—abound. 
Iron and coal are found chiefly in the northeastern part of 
the state. Marble and freestone, well adapted for archi¬ 
tectural purposes, and gypsum, occur. The salt springs 
are numerous, and the brine is strong. 

11. Climate. —On account of the general elevation of 
the surface, which is from 700 or 800 to upward of 1000 
feet above the level of the sea, the general temperature is 
several degrees lower than in the Atlantic regions in the 
same parallel. The winters are often severe, and the Ohio 
has been frozen, at Cincinnati, for two months. The sum¬ 
mer is subject to tornadoes, but the autumn is always tem¬ 
perate, serene, and pleasant. Along the valley of the Ohio 
the weather is more equable and mild than in the interior. 
In the southern part there is little snow; in the north, the 
snows are deep, and there is much sleighing in winter. 
Near marshy spots and stagnant waters, fevers and agues 
prevail, especially among the new settlers ; but in general, 
the state may be pronounced healthy. 

12. Soil. —Nine-tenths of the surface of this state are 
susceptible of cultivation. The intervals of the rivers are 
highly fertile. In the interior are the largest tracts of rich 
level plain to be found in any settled portion of the United 
States. The prairies produce no timber except a few scattered 
trees, and now and then a small grove. Some of them are 
marshy, and the more elevated are called barrens, yet they 
have often a tolerably fertile soil. The eastern and the 
southeastern parts are the most hilly ; but hardly any por¬ 
tion of the surface is sufficiently broken to be unfavorable 
to tillage. The marshy tracts in the north have an excel¬ 
lent soil, and may be easily drained. 

13. Face of the Country. —The central portion of 
the state is a table-land of considerable elevation, from 
which the surface slopes to the Erie basin on the noith, 
and the Ohio on the south. The northern or Erie plain 
has a more rapid declivity than the southern slope, and the 
rivers which flow down its surface are much broken by 
falls, which are more rare on the Ohio side. The surface 
in general is undulating and agreeably diversified. 

14. Divisions.— Ohio is divided as follows: 

Counties. Pop. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Adams. 18,883.West Union. . 

Allen. 12.109.Lima. . 

Ashland. 23,792.....Ashland... . 

Ashtabula. 28,766.Jefferson. 710 

Aut;laize. 11,338.Wapakonets. . 

Athens. 18.215.Athens. 710 

Belmont. 31,C00.St. Clairsville. . 

Brown. 27,332.Georgetown. . 

Butler. 30,789.Hamilton. 1,409 

Carroll. 17,685.Carrollton. 698 

Champaign. 19,762.Urbana. hjj"® 

Clark.. 22,178.Springfield. 2,382 5,107 

Clermont. 30,455.Batavia.2,187 

Clinton. 18,838....Wilmington. . 

Columbiana.. 33,621.New Lisbon. 1,490 

Coshocton. 25,674.Coshocton. 6J5 

Crawford. 18,177.Bucyrus. — 

Cuyahoga. 48,099.Cleveland. 6,071 17.074 

Uiirke. 20,274.Greenville. 2,006 

Defiance. 6,9<)6.Defiance. -— 

Delaware.21,817.Delaware. 898 

Erie. 18,568.Sandusky. 1,488 


CoOTtifls. Pop. in 1850. County Towns, Pop. in 1840. 

Fairfield. 30,264.Lancaster. 3,272 

Fayette. 12,726.Washington. . 

Franklin. 42,910.Columbus. 6,048 

Fulton. 7,781.Ai. . 

Gallia. 17,063.Gallipolis. 1,314 

Geauga. 17,827.Cliardon. 446 

Greene.'. 21,946.Xenia. . 

Guernsey. ^),438.Cambridge. 1,845 

Hamilton.156,843. Cincinnati.46,382 

Hancock. 16,751.Findlay. 469 

Hardin. 8,251.Kenton.. 

Harrison. 20,157.Cadiz. 1,023 

Henry . 3,435.Napoleon. 495 

Highland . 25,781.Hillsboro’. . 

Hocking . 14,119.Logan. 436 

Holmes. 20,4.52.Millersburg. . 

Huron. 26,203.Norwalk. 2,613 

Jackson.. 12,721.Jackson. 297 

Jefferson. 29,132.Steubenville. 5.203 

Knox. 28,873.Mount Vernon.2,362 

Lake. 14.654.Painesville. 2,580 

Lawrence. 1.5,246.Burlington.. 

Licking. 38,846.Newark. 2,705 

Logan. 19,162.Belle Fontaine. . 

Lorain. 26,086.Elyria. 1,636 

Lucas. 12,363.Maumee City. 2,072 

Madison. 10,015.London. 297 

Mahoning. 23,735.Canfield. . 

Marion. 12,618.Marion. 570 

Medina. 24,441.Medina. 635 

Meigs...17,971.Pomeroy. 1,479 

Mercer. 7,712.Celina. 570 

Miami. 24,996.Troy. 1,351 

Monroe. 28,351.Woodsfield. . 

Montgomery.38,219.Dayton. 6,067 

Morgan. 28,585.McConnellsville. . 

Morrow. 20,280.Mt. Gilead. 


107 


1850 


17,367 


116,108 


6,140 


3,819 


Muskingum 
Ottawa - 
Paulding , 

Perry .... 

Pickaway 

Pike. 

Preble.21,736 

Portage . • 

Putnam .• 

Richland- 

Ross. 

Sandusky 
Sciota ... 

Seneca 
Shelby 


10,355 


4,228 


11. Climated 12. Soil? 13. Face of the country? 14. Dich 


45,049.Zanesville. 4,766 

3,308.Port Clinton.. 

1,766.Charloe. . 

20,725.Somerset. 947 

21,008.Circleville.2,329 

10,953.Piketon. . 

.Eaton. . 

24,419.Ravenna. 1.542 

7,221.Kalida. . 

30,879.Mansfield. 1.328 

32074.Chillicothe.3.977 

14,305.Fremont. 1.117 

18,428.Portsmouth. 1,500 

27,105.Tiffin. . 

13,958.Sidney. . 

Stark. 39.878.Canton. 3,299 

Summit. 27,485.Akron. . 

Trumbull. 30,490.Warren. 1,9% 

Tuscarawas. 31,761.New Philadelphia_ _ 

Union. 12.204.Marysville. 360 

Van Wert. 4,813.Van Wert. 432 

Vinton. 9,353.Mc.\rthurstown. . 

Wai-ren. 25,561.Lebanon. eono 

Washington. 29,540.Marietta. 1,814 o,~od 

Wayne. 32,981..... Wooster. 1.913 

Williams. 8,018.Bryan. 944 

Wood. 9,157.Perrysburg. 1,065 

Wyandott. 11,292.Upper Sandusky. . 

15. Ag^i'iculture.—The soil and climate are in a high 
degree suitable to the growth of tobacco, hemp, and flax; 
maize is raised in great quantities, and grows abundantly in 
all parts of the state. The other bread grains are produced 
of excellent quality, and fruits of all kinds are raised in 
profusion. The bread grains, live stock, and salted provi¬ 
sions are the staples of the state. The number of hogs 
sent to market is immense. 

16. Manufactures.—The domestic fabrics are con¬ 
siderable, and there are large manufactories of woolen, 
cotton, paper, glass, Ac. The manufacture of steam ma¬ 
chinery, and other articles from iron, is extensive. To 
these may be added linseed and castor oil, whisky, cabinet 
furniture, salt, &c. The manufactures of the state, already 
great, are increasing. 

IV. Coinuierce.—The advantages for trade which are 
secured by the local position of this state, may be per¬ 
ceived by glancing at the map. The Ohio affords it a 
direct intercourse with all the country in the valley of the 
Mississippi; while by means of Lake Erie on the north, it 
communicates with Canada and New York. The canals 

ions? 15. Agriculture? 16. Manufactures? 17. Commerce? 












































































































































































































































































108 


STATE OF OHIO. 


and railroads complete a line of internal navigation from 
New York to New Orleans through this state. Ohio enjoys 
the most active commerce of all the Western States, The 
northern and eastern counties export to Montreal and New 
York, by the lake, great quantities of produce. But the 
chief exports are to New Orleans, including flour, grain, 
pork, bacon, lard, whisky, horses, and cattle. 

18. Mining:. —Coal and iron are abundant, but so near 
the surface as hardly to require the process of mining. 

19. Canals. —The Ohio and Erie and the Miami 
canals have been constructed by the state. The former 
begins at Cleveland, and terminates at Portsmouth on the 
Ohio ; length, including several navigable feeders, 334 miles. 
The Miami Canal, beginning at Cincinnati, runs north to Day- 
ton, sixty-seven miles. There are other important canals. 

20. Itailroads. —A number of companies have been 
incorporated, with powers to construct railroads in different 
directions ; and these have established several important 
works of the kind. 

21. Iiiliabitants. —The settlers of this state were 
mainly from New England, and society is here of a some¬ 
what New England character. Slavery is not tolerated. 

22. Education. —There are several collegriate institu- 
tions in Ohio : Miami University, at Oxford; Ohio Uni¬ 
versity, at Athens ; Franklin College, at New Athens ; 
Kenyon College, at Gambler ; and Western Reserve College, 
founded by the Christians, at Hudson. There are also a 
Baptist theological seminary, at Granville, the Lane Semi¬ 
nary, and Cincinnati College, at Cincinnati, and a medical 
college at the same place. There are also colleges at 
Marietta, Oberlin, Willoughby, and Columbus. There are 
a great number of incorporated academies ; and in 1831 
the system of free-schools wos established by law, to be 
supported by a tax on property. 



View of Cincinnati 


23. CPisef Towns. —The city of Cincinnati is the 
principal town in the state, and, in point of population and 
business, second only to New Orleans among the western 
cities. It is situated on the north bank of the Ohio, 500 
miles west of Washington. It is regularly laid out with 
broad, straight streets, intersecting each other at right 
angles, and is, in general, well built. The growth of this 
city has, perhaps, never been surpassed in rapidity. Its 
commerce and manufactures are extensive and increasing. 
Numerous steamboats have been built at Cincinnati, and 
river and canal craft crowd its waters. Its trade is very 
extensive. The schools are numerous and respectable, and 
considerable printing is done here. Columbus, the seat 
of government, is in the center of the state, on the eastern 
bank of the Scioto. Steubenville is finely situated in the 


eastern part of the state. Lower down the river is Mari¬ 
etta, in a delightful country. Portsmouth stands above 
the junction of the Ohio and Scioto, and has acquired 
importance from its position at the termination of the Ohio 
Canal. In the north, on Lake Erie, Cleveland and San¬ 
dusky are important places, Chillicothe, on the Scioto, is 
beautifully situated in a pleasant plain, and contains a num¬ 
ber of flourishing manufactories. Circleville, between Co¬ 
lumbus and Chillicothe, derives its name from the numerous 
remains of ancient works, in a circular form, which occupied 
its site. Dayton, at the termination of the Miami Canal, 
has numerous mills and manufactories. 

24. History*—The territory belonging to Ohio, includ¬ 
ing that of Indiana, was claimed by Virginia as embraced 
in her original patent. The northwestern portion, along 
Lake Erie, containing what was called the Western Re¬ 
serve, was claimed by Connecticut. Virginia ceded her 
territory to the United States in 1787, reserving a small 
portion for the payment of some state debts. The Con¬ 
necticut claims were finally extinguished in 1800. The 
French preferred a title to this whole tenltory, but they 
made no permanent settlements in Ohio, The country 
remained in the possession of the Indians till April 7, 1788, 
when General Rufus Putnam, with a party from New 
England, planted a little colony at the mouth of the Mus¬ 
kingum, where Marietta now stands. Another settlement 
was made the following year, at Columbia, six miles above 
the present city of Cincinnati. Some French emigrants 
established themselves at Gallipolis in 1791. Settlements 
were made at Cleveland and Conneaut in 1796, by emi¬ 
grants from New England. The country was much disturbed 
by Indian hostilities. After the disastrous campaign of 
General Harmar, in 1790, and that of General St, Clair in 
1791—he being finally defeated, with great loss, in the 
western part of the state—many of the affrighted inhabit¬ 
ants removed to Kentucky. But in 1795, the savages 
were effectually subdued by General Wayne, and from 
this time we may date the unexampled prosperity of the 
state. In 1781, Ohio, together with Indiana, Avas placed 
under a territorial government by Congress ; the Avhole 
being called the Territory Northwest of the Ohio. The 
first territorial legislature met at Cincinnati, in 1799. 
For a long period the fame of this region for richness of 
soil and amenity of climate drew multitudes of adventurers 
from the Atlantic country. In 1802, Ohio was erected 
into a state and admitted into the Union. In 1816, the 
crops of New England were cut off, and the most extraor¬ 
dinary impulse was given to emigration. Not only families, 
but whole villages departed for this land of promise. The 
great thoroughfares to the west were crowded Avith troops 
of people, loaded with their entire stock of furniture. 
Thus a state but sixty years old has groAvn up Avith a pop¬ 
ulation of over tAvo millions, and a metropolis of 150,000 
inhabitants. Here, also, are the marks of civilization and 
refinement—canals, railroads, schools, colleges, public libra¬ 
ries, lyceums, churches, and the printing-press! 

25. Antiquities —When this state Avas first visited, 
numerous artificial mounds, and other Avorks appearing like 
fortifications, were discovered where Marietta, Chillicothe, 
CircleAulle, and NeAvark noAv stand. Most of these are 
destroyed. Similar Avorks have been discovered in the 
more Avestern states, in Western NeAv York, and Wis¬ 
consin. 


18. Mining? 19. Canals? 20. Railroads? 21. Inhabitants? 


2.2. Education? 2Z. Chief towns? 2^. History? 25. Antiquities? 

















































STATE OF INDIANA. 109 


Extent of Jndiana, §3,809 sq. m.—Pop. in 1850, 988,416.—Pop. to sq. m., 29.21. 


OO 

GO 


C 



c=3 

=3 


OO 


Extent of Illinois, 55,405 sq. m.—Pop. in 1850, 851,470.—Pop. to sq. m., 15.S6. 


Lesson LIV... State of 
Indiana. 

1. Characteristics. —This 
is the smallest of the Western 
States, but it is noted for its ex¬ 
cellent soil and fine climate. 

2. Mountains. — Indiana 
is destitute of these. 

3. Prairies. — These are 
not very extensive, but they are 
numerous and fertile. 

4. Rivers. — The Ohio 
washes the southern limit of the 
state. The Wahash rises in the 
northeastern part, and flows 
southwest nearly across the 
state, when it turns to the 
south, and flows into the Ohio, 
forming, toward its mouth, the 
western boundary. It is 500 
miles in length, and is naviga¬ 
ble for steamboats 300 miles. 

Above this point, small boats 
may ascend to the source of the 
riv'er. White River, 260 miles 
in length, and Tippecanoe River, 
are branches of the Wabash. 

Steamboats ascend the White 
River to Indianapolis. The 
Tippecanoe is celebrated for a 
battle fought upon its b.anks in 
1814, between the United 
States troops and the Indians. 

White Water River, in the east¬ 
ern part of the state, flows southerly to the Great Miami, a 
few miles above its mouth. Its waters are remarkably 
cold and transparent. 

5. Caves. —There are great numbers of caves in this 
state, most of which have been little explored. On the 
bank of Big Blue River, a small stream falling into the Ohio, 
is the Riisom Salt Cave. This contains saltpeter, alumi¬ 
nous earth, and gypsum. About a mile and a half within 
the cave is a Avdiite column, thirty feet high, fluted from top 
to bottom, and surrounded by smaller columns of the same 
shape and appearance. The floor of the cave is covered 
w'ith Epsom salt, sometimes in lumps of ten pounds 
w'ei^ht. 

6. Vesretable Products.—The forests of Indiana are 
greatly varied, and of magnificent growth. The flow^ering 
shrubs impart a peculiar charm to the country in early 
spring. Indian corn attains the hight of nine feet. 

7. Animals. —The bear, deer, wild-cat, cougar, wild 
turkey, grouse, and smaller quadrupeds are common. 

8. Minerals. —Iron, native copper, and coal have been 
found in this state, and there are also salt springs in some 
parts, yet the mineral productions are, on the whole, incon¬ 
siderable. 

9. Climate. —On the borders of Lake Michigan, heavy 
rains are common, and the climate is considered unhealthy. 


Exercises on the Map of Indiana .—Extent of Indiana? 
Boundaries? Population? Population to tlie square mile? What 
river bounde Indiana on the south ? Which way does the Wabash 


In the other parts, it does not differ from that of Ohio. In 
the middle and southern parts there is seldom more than 
six inches depth of snow, but in the north there is some¬ 
times a foot and a half. Peach-trees blossom early in 
March. The forests are in leaf early in April. There are 
vast quantities of flowering shrubs which put forth their 
blossoms before they are in leaf, and give an indescribable 
charm to the early spring. Frosts often do great injury to 
the vegetation, both in spring and autumn. The winter 
seldom continues longer than six weeks. 

10. Soil.— This state is generally level and fertile. All 
the rivers have uncommonly wide, alluvial borders. The 
prairies along the Wabash are celebrated for their richness 
and beauty. Many of the prairies and intervals are too 
rich for wheat. In the northern part are swampy tracts, 
which are too wet for cultivation; but in general, a better 
country could hardly be desired for all the purposes of 
agriculture. 

11. Face of f lic Country. —The northern part of the 

state is an elevated table-land, which is level and wet, and j 
gives rise to rivers flowing into lakes Michigan and Erie, ; 
and the rivers Ohio and Mississippi. A great part of the ! 
surface is rolling, and agreeably diversified with hill and > 
valley. The prairies form a striking feature in the face of j 
the country. j 


run ? Where does it empty ? What lake at the northwest corner of 
Indiana ? Capital of Indiana ? 

LESSON LIV. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. Prat- 








































































110 


STATE OF INDIANA. 


12. Divisions.—Indiana is divided as follows: 

Pop, in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 

.... 5,795.Decatur. . 

_16,919.Fort Wayne. 2,000 

_ 1,144.Oxford. . 

_ 2,860.Blackford C. H. . 

.... 12.428.Columbus. 2,348 

.... 11.631.Lebanon.. . 

.... 4,846.Nashville. . 

.... 11,01.'>.Delphi. 200 

.... 11,021.Logansport. 1,500 

.... 15.828.Charlestown.. 

.... 7,944.Bowling Creen. 235 

.... 11,869.Frankfort. 600 

.... 6.524.Leavenworth. 136 

• ■ •. 10.:i)2.W ash i ngton. 050 

.... 20.166.Lawrenceburg. . 

.... 15,107.(ireensburg. 800 

.... 8.251.Auburn.. 

.... 10,843.M uncle. 400 

.... 6.321.1 asper. . 

...• 12.690.(loshen.. 

• ••• 10,217.Connersville. 1,372 

• •.. 14.875.New .\lbany. 4,226 

- 13,'2.)3.Covington. . 

.... 17,968.Brookville. . 

• ••• 5.982.Rochester. . 

■ •••• 10,771.Princeton. 800 

- 11.0<)2.Marion. . 

•••• 12,313.Bloomlleld. 700 

. 12.684.Noblesville. 200 

■••• 9.098.Greenfield. 562 

• • • • 15,286.Corvd on. 700 

. 14,083.Danville.. 300 

. 17.605.Newcastle. 528 

• •• • 6,6.57.Kokomo.. 


ronntifs. 

Adams. 

Allen. 

Beiilon. 

Blackford. 

Bartholomew... 

Boone . 

Brown. 

Carroll. 

Cass. 

Clark. 

( lay. 

Clinton. 

Crawford. 

Daviess. 

Dearborn. 

Decatur. 

De Kalb. 

Delaware. 

Dubois. 

Klkhart. 

Fayette. 

Floyd. 

Fountain. 

Franklin. 

Fulton. 

Gibsfjii. 

Hamflton. 

Hancock. 

Harrison. 

Hendricks. 

Henry. 

Howard.. 

Huntington - •• • 

.lackson. 

Jasper . 

Jiiy. 

Jefferson. 

Jennings. 

Johnson . 

Knox. 

Kosciusko. 

La Grange ••• • 

1-ake. 

La Porte.. 

Lawrence. 

Madison. 

Marshall. 

Marion. 

Martin. 

Miami. 

Monroe. 

Montgomery •• 

Morgan. 

Noble. 

Ohio . 

Orange. 

Owen. 

Parke. 

Perry. 

Pike. 

Porter. 

Posey. 

Pula-ski. 

Putnam .. 

Randolph. 

Ripley. 

Rush. 

Scott. 

Shelby. 

Spencer. 

St. Joseph .... 

Stark . 

Steuben. 

Sullivan. 

Switzerland . • • 
Tippecanoe .■■ 

Tipton. 

Ciiion. 

Vanderburg ... 

Vermilion. 

Vigo. 

Wabash. 

VV'arren. 

Warwick. 

Wiishington. . 

Wayne. 

Weils. 

VV'hitc. 

Wbitly . 


3.. 540... 

7.647.. . 

23.916.. . 

12.696.. . 

12.161.. . 

11.684.. . 

16.243.. . 

8.387.. . 
:),991... 


11 , 286 . 

18.684. 

14.,576. 

7,946. 


12,106... 


18.615.. 

14,7'25.. 


8.616. 

10,954. 


8,661. 


7,387. 


25,326.... 



..- 

. .Browuslon. 


. ..Rennselaer. 


...Jay C. H. 



.. 3,798 


.. 256 




.. 2.660 


.. 166 


.. 178 

,.. .Crown Point. 



. . - 

_Bedford. 

.. - 




. . .. 


.. 2,692 




.. 961 




.. 1,327 


.. 125 


.. 245 




... 450 

_Spencer. 

.. 375 


.. 6;>0 

... .Rome. 



. . - 




.. 900 


. . . - 


.. 2,2.58 

.... VV^inchesler. 

.. 250 


,.. 406 


,2,146 


,.. 206 


... 446 




.. 1,860 



_.Anoiola. 




... .Vevay. 

.. 1.200 


.. 2.000 




,500 


... 2,500 


... 192 





.. ..Williamsport. 

... 3.50 


... 240 


... 1,083 

_Centerville.. 



. . .- 

-Monticello. 



1860 , 


9,785 


8,037 


8,034 


4,051 


. 5,191).Columbia. . 

13. Agriculture.—The articles of culture are similar 
to those of Ohio. The vineyards at Vevay are flourishing 


ries? 4-. Rivers? 5. Caves? 6. Ve(jetahle products? 7. Ani¬ 
mals? 8. Minerals? 9. Climate? 10. tSoil? 11. Race of the 


and profitable. The Cape or blue grape, and the Madeira 
grape, have been principally cultivated. Recently, the 
American grapes have grown into esteem : they are thought 
to produce better wine, and to be more easy of culture. 

14. Miuiufiicturcs.—These are in their infancy, but 
the domestic fabrics are considerable, and there are a num¬ 
ber of large manufacturing establishments. 

15. Commerce. —This is chiefly confined to the ex¬ 
port of agricultural products, which are very extensive. 

16. Canals and Railroads. —These have been un¬ 
dertaken on a large scale, and several useful and important 
5vorks of the kind are in operation. 

17. Education. — Indiana College, at Bloomington, 
was founded in 1827; South Hanover College in 1829; 
Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, in 1833. The Indiana 
Ashury University yvivs, founded by the Methodists, in 1839. 
There are numerous academies and common schools. Edu¬ 
cation receives a large share of public attention. 

18. Chief Towns. — Indianapolis, m the center of the 
state, on the White River, is the seat of government. Vin¬ 
cennes is an old French town, and is pleasantly situated in a 
delightful region, 150 miles from the mouth of the Wabash. 
New Albany, just below Louisville, is the principal town in 
the state, and has already become an important commercial 
and manufacturing place. The other villages are small, but 
many of them are flourishing, and daily growing in popula¬ 
tion. Such are Lawrenceburg and Madison, on the Ohio ; 
Vevay, chiefly settled by Swiss, wlio have extensive vine¬ 
yards ; and New Harmony, founded by a German society, 
who held their property in common. In 1824, it 5vas 
bought by Robert Owen, of Lanark, Scotland, who wished 
to introduce into practice here bis new principles of the 
social system—perfect equality, and the abolition of the 
obligations of marriage. His scheme failed, and his fol- 
lowers were dispersed ; but the village is now a flourishing 
place. Lafayette and Logansport are thriving towns, on the 
upper part of the Wabash. 

19. History—Annals.—This territory, as well as that 
of Illinois, was explored by Marquette, the French traveler, 
in 1673, and was therefore claimed by France. It was sub¬ 
sequently claimed also by Virginia, and 5vas included in her 
deed of ce.ssion to the United States, in 1787. It continued 
unoccupied till the early part of the seventeenth century, 
when the French, in pursuance of their plan for extending 
settlements southward to the Lower Mississippi, made set¬ 
tlements there. The first was at Vincennes, in 1730. The 
colonists consisted of disbanded. soldiers who had served 
Louis XIV. Living for many years separated from the rest 
of the world, these became gradually assimilated to the 
savages, who were numerous in this whole region, and with 
these they intermarried. At the peace between England 
and France, in 1763, this country came into the possession 
of the English, 5vho, however, made no attempt to settle it, 
for a long peilod. During the Revolutionary 5var, the 
people of Vincennes took part 5vith the Americans, in con¬ 
sequence of which, after the struggle, our government made 
them a grant of land in the vicinity. 

20. Iinlian Wars, &c. —In 1787, the United States 
took possession of Vincennes, and erected a fort on the op¬ 
posite bank of the river, as a defense against the savages, 
who were now formidable from their numbers, and dan¬ 
gerous from their hostility. At this period, the inhabitants 

country? 1.2. Divisions ? 1Z. Agriculture? 14:. Mamifactures ? 

15. Commerce? 16. Canals and railroads? 17. Education? 



































































































































































































































































STATE OF ILLINOIS. 


Ill 



Tecumsch. 


in this quarter consisted of French Canadians and Indians, 
The whole country, includinff Ohio, soon became involved 
in war with the Indians. Gen. Harmer was defeated in 
two battles, 1790, in the northeastern part of Indiana. 
Gen. St. Clair, governor of the Northwestern Territory, in¬ 
cluding Ohio, Indiana, &c., was defeated by the Indians, 
with great slaughter, in 1791, at Fort Washington, the site 
oi the present city of Cincinnati, Gen. Wayne was ap- 
pointed to the command of our army, and in August, 1794, 
at the head of 3000 men, gave the Indians a fatal defeat at 
the Maumee Rapids. This brought temporary peace to the 
country. In 1800, Indiana was placed under a territorial 
government, including Illinois. In 1809, it became a sep¬ 
arate territory. The celebrated chief, Tecumseh, now began 
to figure in the history of this quarter. He was of the 
Shawnee tribe, and bom on the Scioto, in Ohio; took part 
in the conflicts which preceded the defeat of the Indians 
by Wayne, and finally became the master-spirit of the In¬ 
dians throughout the Northwestern Territory. Assisted by 
his brother, who had acquired the title of the Prophet, he 
formed extensive schemes of hostility against the Ameri¬ 
cans. Both these Indians made visits to distant tribes, 
with a view to league them in a g^’eat struggle with those 
whom they deemed their enemy. When Tecumseh was 
absent, the savages, instigated by the British, who had set¬ 
tlements in this quarter, committed various acts of hostil¬ 


ity upon our northwestern frontier villages. The United 
States accordingly dispatched an armed force against them, 
they being now under the command of the Prophet. In 
November, 1811, the troops marched into the Indian coun¬ 
try, and encamped near the Prophet’s town, at Tippecanoe, 
where the savages had collected an army of COO warriors. 
Gen. Harrison, the American commander, proposed a ne¬ 
gotiation ; the Indians accepted it with every protestation 
of friendship, and agreed to hold a council next day. The 
Prophet, at night, consulted his “ grand medicine,” and 
declared to his followers that “ the enemy was now in their 
power, fast asleep, and should never wake.” Before the 
dawn of day, the Indians burst into the American camp 
with horrid shouts; and a fierce engagement succeeded, 
amid the confusion of darkness, and the yells of the war- 
whoop. The militia fled, but were soon rallied. The 
troops formed a solid column, and charged the savages at 
the point of the bayonet. They were soon driven from the 
field, and completely routed, but neaily 200 Americans 
fell in the battle. The Prophet’s town was then set on fire 
and destroyed. This severe blow arrested their incursions 
and depredations for a time, but during the Avar Avith En¬ 
gland, Avhich began in 1812, they proved very troublesome. 
The restless and talented Tecumseh finally fell in the battle 
of the Thames, in Canada, October, 1813, displaying in his 
last action a degree of courage and sagacity beyond that of 
the British commander, Avhose ally he Avas. He Avas the 
most able, if not the most successful, military chief of all 
the northern tribes. In his person he Avas tall and muscu¬ 
lar, with a dignified carriage, and a piercing eye. The Pro¬ 
phet, after the war, received a pension from the British gov¬ 
ernment, and finally migrated to the Far West. He Avas a 
man of great talent, and, like his brother, possessed, in a 
high degree, the natiA^e eloquence of his race. Indiana be¬ 
came a state in 1816, since Avhich its adv'ance in population 
and importance has been very rapid. It entered upon exten¬ 
sive schemes of canals and railroads, Avhich were arrested by 
the panic of 1837-40, and brought the finances of the state 
into great derangement. This, however, is likely to form 
but a temporary check. 

Lesson LV...State of lllinok 

1. Characteristics. —This is a ncAv state, with a good 
soil, an increasing population, and rich mines. 

2. Mountains are unknown in Illinois, though the 
southern and northern parts are hilly and broken. 

3. Valleys and Prairies. —There are few valleys in 
this state, the banks of the rivers frequently consisting of 
lofty bluffs, presenting sublime and picturesque scenery. 
Between these precipitous banks and the streams, there are 
sometimes narrow vales of inexhaustible fertility. The 
prairies are frequent, and of great extent, being covered 
Avith tall grass, and at wide intervals dotted with woodlands. 

4. Rivers. —Illinois is highly favored in respect to naA'i- 
gable rivers, which afford a boat navigation of above 3000 
miles. The Wabash, Ohio, and Mississippi wash the bor¬ 
ders of the state. The rivers Avhich have their course 
within its limits mostly floAV Avith a southwesterly course 


18. Chief towns? 19. Annals? 20. Indian wars? Battle of 
Tippecanoe ? 

Exercises on the Map of Illinois (see page 109).— Boun¬ 
daries ? Extent ? Population ? Population to the square mile ? j 


What part of the state touches Lake Michigan ? Capital ? De¬ 
scribe the following rivers: Rock ; Illinois; Kaskaskia. Direction 
of the following places from Springfield: Alton ; Chicago ; Galena ; 
Peoria ; Quincy ; Vandalia ; Kaskaskia. 



































112 


STATE OF ILLINOIS. 


into the Mississippi. Roch River rises in Michigan, to the 
Avest of the lake, but floAvs into the Mississippi, in Illinois, 
after a course of nearly 300 miles. The Illinois, the chief 
riA'cr of the state, is formed by the junction of sev'eral head 
streams, rising in Michigan, to the Avest, and in Indiana, to 
the south, of Lake Michigan. At seasons of liigh Avater, 
there is an uninterrupted naA’igation from one of these 
streams, the Plain River, to the Chicago, Avhich runs into 
the lake. The current of the Illinois is, in general, gentle, 
Avith a Avide and deep bed, in some places opening into 
broad and lake-like expanses, and affording great advantages 
for navigation. The length of its course is about 500 
miles. Steamboats ascend to Peoria, 160 miles, and, in 
certain stages of the Avater, to the rapids, 230 miles. The 
Kaskaskia rises in the eastern part of the state, and pursues 
a direction nearly parallel to that of the Illinois and Rock. 
It is 250 miles in length, and is navigable for boats. The 
Cahokia and Muddy rivers Aoav into the Mississippi. The 
Little Wabash is one of the tributaries of the Wabash. 

5. Sliores aitd Harbors. —At the northeast corner, 
this state touches upon Lake Michigan. At the mouth of 
Chicago River is Chicago, Avhich has a tolerable harbor, 
improved by piers extending into the lake. 

6. Mineral Si>riii$;:s. —There are sulphureous and 
chalybeate springs in different parts of the state. There 
are also salt springs in several places, and especially near 
ShaAvneetoAvn. 

7. Vegetable Products. —The native forest^ are 
thick and lofty, comprising the oak, Avalnut, ash, elm, sugar- 
maple, locust, blackberry, buckeye, sycamore, and Avhite 
pine. These forests exist chiefly in the south. 

8. Animals. —The deer, elk, bear, panther, Avild-cat, 
and smaller quadrupeds abound. The hogs, in a half-Avild 
state, are numerous here, as Avell as in Ohio and Indiana. 
The Avild turkey, grouse, &c., are common. 



Lead Miners. 


9. Minerals. —Besides iron, coal, limestone, and salt, 
Illinois contains the richest lead mines in the Avorld, They 
lie in the northAvestern part of the state, and the ore is inex¬ 
haustible. The mines of Galena, and the vicinity, on Fever 
River, have yielded upAV'ard of thirteen million pounds in a 
single year. Silver is found intermixed Avith the lead ores. 

10. Climate. —The Avdnters are rather severe over the 
whole state. The rivers are frozen for several months, and 
the winds from the northerly points, coming from the lakes, 
or from the great central table-land of North America, are 
very cold. The air is, in general, dry, pure, and healthy. 


11. Soil. —Three different qualities of soil may be dis¬ 
tinguished in a general description. First, the alluvial 
borders of the rivers, Avhich are from one to eight miles 
wide, sometimes elevated, and at others low, and subject to 
inundation. These consist of alternations of Avood and 
prairie, and have almost always a fertile soil. Second, be¬ 
tween the alluvions and the bluffs Avhich bound them are 
level tracts, from fifty to 100 feet higli. These consist 
mostly of prairie, either dry or marshy, and are less fertile 
than the alluvions. Third, the interior, Avhich consists of 
an intermixture of Avoods and prairies. Here the soil is 
A’arious, and the surface Avaving. One-sixth of the alluvial 
land is overfloAved by the rivers, and rendered unfit for cul- 
tiA'ation, although it is productive in timber. A tract called 
the American Bottom, beginning at the mouth of the Kas¬ 
kaskia, and extending along the Mississippi, ninety miles in 
length, and tiA*ein average Avidth, consists of soil tAventy-fiA'e 
feet deep, as rich as can be found in the Avorld. About the 
French settlements, it has been cultivated, and has produced 
maize every year, Avithout manuring, for above a century. 

12. Face of the Coantry- —The surface forms an 
inclined plane, sloping downAvard from L ike Micliigan to 
the Mississippi, in a soutliAvesterly direction. There are no 
elcA^ations much above the general level, and the greater 
part of the country consists of Amst plains, Avith a gently 
undulating or Avaving surface. 

13. Divisions. —Illinois is diA'ided as folloAvs : 


Counties. Pop. in 1850. 

Adams. 20,,508. 

Alexander. 2,.184. 

Bond. C,l.)4. 

Boone. 7,626-...'.... 

Brown.•.. 7,198. 

Bureau. 8,84i. 

Calhoun. 3,231. 

Carroll. 4,586. 

Cass. 7,253. 

Champaign. 2.649. 

Christian. 3,202. 

Clarke. 9,532. 

Clay. 4,289. 

Clinton. 5,139. 

Coles. 9,335. 

Cook. 43,385. 

Crawford. 7,135. 

Cumberland. 3,720. 

De Kalb. 7,540. 

De AVitt. 5,002. 

Du Page. 9,290. 

Edgar. 10,692. 

Edwards. 3,524. 

Effingham. 3,799. 

Payette. 8,075. 

Pranklin. .5,681. 

Fulton. 22,508. 

Gallatin. 5,448. 

Greene. 12,429. 

Grundy. 3,023. 

Hamilton. 6,,362. 

Hancock. 14,6.52. 

H.ardin. 2,887. 

Henderson. 4,612. 

Henry. 3,807. 

Iroquois. 4,149. 

Jackson. .5,862 . 

Jasper. 3,220 . 

Jeffei-son. 8,109. 

Jersey. 7,354. 

Jo Davies. 18,604 . 

Johnson. 4,113. 

Kane. 16,703 . 

Kendall. 7,730. 

Knox. 13,279. 

Lake . 14,226 . 

La Sidle. 17,815. 

Lawrence. 6,121 . 

Lee. 5,292. 

Livingston. 1,5.52. 

Logan. 5,128. 

Macon. 3,988. 

-Macoupin. 12,355. 

Madison. 20,436. 


County Towns. 

.Quincy. 

.Thebes. 

.Greenville. 

. Belvidero. 

• Mount Sterling. 

• Princeton. 

• Hardin. 

• Mount Carroll.. 

• Beardstown.... 

.Urbana. 

• Taylorville. 

• Marshall. 

• liOuisville. 

• Carlyle. 

• Charleston. 

• Chicago. 

• Robinson. 

•Greenup. 

•Sycamore. 

•Clinton. 

• Naperville. 

• Paris. 

•Albion. 

•Ewington. 

• A'andalia. 

•Benton. 

■Lewiston. 

•Shawneetown_ 

•Carrollton. 

•Morris. 

• Me Leansborough 

• Carthago. 

• Elizabethtown... 

•Oquawka. 

•Cambridge. 

•Middleport. 

•Murphysboro’ ... 

•Newton. 

•Mount Vernon... 

•Jersey ville. 

•Galena. 

•Vienna. 

•Geneva. 

•Oswego. 

Knoxville. 

• Wnukegim. 

•Otiawa. 

■Lawrenceville.... 

• Dixon. 

• Pontiac. 

•Alount Pulaski... 

• Decatur. 

•Carlinville. 

• Edwardsville_ 


Pop. in 1810. 
... 1,500 
75 

... 250 


336 


4,470 

500 


350 


800 

200 


667 


... 150 


150 

2(X) 

1,500 


250 

500 



1860. 


28,266 


LESSON LV. 1. Characteristics? 1. Mountains? 3. Valleys 
and prairies? 4. Rivers? 5. Shores and harbors? 6. Mineral j 


springs? 7. Vegetable products? 8. Animals? 9. Minerals? 
10. Climate? ll.Soil? 12. Face of the country ? 13. Divisions ? 













































































































































































- ■ --—----—--- 

STATE OF 

Counties, Pup. in 1850. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Marion .. 6,7:20 .iSalein.. 

Marshall. 5,18t) .Lacoii . — 

Miissae. 4.()9-2.Metropolis City.. 

, Mason. 5,9.21.Bath.!.. . 

I McDonough. 7.619......Macomb. 125 

1 McHenry. 14,979.Don. 

Mcl.e.in. 10,163.Blooininstton.. 

Menard. 6,349 .Pelersbiirj{.. 

Mercer. 5.246.Keithsburg. . 

Monroe. 7.679=.Waterloo. . ' 

Montgoinerv. 6,276.Hillsborough. 400 

Morgan. 16,064.Jacksonville. . 

Moultrie. 3.234 .Sullivan. 

Dgle. 10,020.Oreson Citv... 

Peoria. 17,547 .Peoria_!. 1,467 

Perry. .5.278.Pincknevville. 62 

Pike.18.819 .Pittsfield. 200 

Pope. 3,975 .Colcoiida. 

Piatt. 1,606.Monticello. . 

P.ilaski. 2,265 .North Caledonia... 

1 Putnam. 3,924.Hennepin. 500 

llandoiph. 11,079 .Chester. 800 

Kichlaiid. 4,012 .filney. — 

Rock Island. 6,937 Rock Island. 600 

St. Clair.20,181. 

Saline. 5,588 .Raleigh. 2..579 

Sangamon. 19,228 .Springfield. 1.000 

Schuyler. 10,573 Rusliville. . 

Scott. 7,914.Winchester.. 

Stark. 3,710.Toiihm. .. 

Stephenson. 11,666 .Belleville. 700 

Tazewell.. 12,052 .Tremont. 350 

Union. 7,615 .Jonesboroagh.. 

Vermiilion. 11.492 .Danville...!. .503 

Wabash. 4,6iH).•••• Mount Carmel. 1,200 

Warren. 8,176.-.-Monmoith.. 

Washington. 6,9.53.Nashville ... -- 

Wayne. 6,825.Fairfield.. 

While. 8,925 .Carmi. 350 

Whitesides. .5,361.Sterling . . 

Will. 16,703.Joliet . 2,558 

Williamson. 7,216.Marion.. 

Winnebago. 11,773.RockfordT.. 

Woodford. 4,416.Metamora. . 

14. Agriculture. — The chief agricultural productions 
are maize, wheat, potatoes, hemp, flax, and tobacco. The 
cultivation of the castor-oil bean has been introduced, and 
considerable quantities of oil are made. Thousands of swine 
are raised without expense. The system of agriculture is, 
in general, rather rude and unskillful. Some cotton is 
raised in the southern part of the state. 

15. Manufactures. — The chief manufacture is that of 
salt, from the water of springs. The water is obtained by 
boring. There are some lead and iron founderies, several 
cotton manufactories, and numerous steam flour and saw¬ 
mills. Large quantities of flour are made and exported. 
The domestic manufactures are considerable, and manufac¬ 
tures, generally, are increasing. 

16. Commerce. — The internal trade is extensive. 
Alton is the chief commercial place on the Mississippi. 
Chicago has an extensive and growing foreign trade. 

17. Ltumbering. — This is carried on to some extent 
upon the lake, and on the rivers. 

18. Miuing. — The operations in mining for lead are 
very extensive, especially at Galena and the vicinity. 

19. Canals and Railroads. — This state has an ex¬ 
tensive system of canals and railroads, parts of which are 
e.xecuted. The remainder have been suspended since the 
pecuniary panic of 1838. A line of canals from Chicago to 
Peoria connects these two places, and furnishes, by way of 
the Illinois River, communication Avith the Mississippi. 

20. Inliabitanfs. — This state has been mostly settled 
by emigrants from the other states, though many persons 
from Ireland, Germany, and other parts of the continent, 
have more recently established themselves here. The In¬ 
dians, who were numerous half a century ago, have almost 
wholly disappeared. 

ILLINOIS. 113 

21. Education. — Illinois College, at Jacksonville, 
was founded in 1829. A portion of the proceeds of the 
sale of the public lands is granted for the support of com¬ 
mon schools. There is a Baptist seminary at Alton, a col¬ 
lege at Macomb, a Methodist college at Lebanon, and vari¬ 
ous academies. Common schools are numerous, and edu¬ 
cation is highly esteemed by the people. 

22. Chief Towns. — There are no very large towns in 

this new but growing state, is the capital. Kas- 

kaskia, on the river of the same name, is an old French 
town. While the French held possession of the country, 
it was populous, and the seat of government, and contained 

a college of Jesuits. After the war of the Revolution it de- 1 

dined, but lately it has begun to revive. Cahokia is another 
ancient French settlement on the Mississippi. It is nearly 
as old as Kaskaskia. Belleville, in the same neighborhood, 
is a new and flourishing town. Shawneetown, on the Ohio, 
is the largest place in the state, upon the river. Galena, in 
the northwest, on the Mississippi, is the center of the lead 
distiict. Alton, on the Mississippi, and Chicago, on Lake 
Michigan, are favorably situated for trade. The latter is an 
important place. It extends along the lake shore for a 
mile, being sufficiently elevated to escape ordinary floods. 

It has an artificial harbor, which is thronged with steam¬ 
boats and other vessels. 

23. History. — This country was explored by Mar¬ 
quette, in 1673. In 1720, the French, from Canada, made 
settlements at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, where their descend¬ 
ants are still found, though these establishments did not 
become politically important. At the treaty of Paris, in 

1763, this country came into the possession of Great Brit¬ 
ain. This state formed a part of the region which, in 

1789, was placed under a territorial government, with the 
title of the Western Territory. In 1800, that part com¬ 
prising Indiana and Illinois was made a distinct territory. 

In 1809, Illinois w'as made a separate territory, and in 1818 
it was admitted into the Union as an independent state. 

24. Indian War. — In 1832, the frontiers of the 
Llnited States experienced the ravages of an Indian war, in 
which Black Hawk, a warrior of the Sacs and Foxes, was 
leader. It commenced in a dispute about a hive of wild 
bees, but soon spread terror among the settlers for hundreds 
of miles. The savages assembled their warriors, and the 
governor of Illinois called out a brigade of militia, which 
joined the American forces under Gen. Atkinson, amount¬ 
ing, in all, to 3000 men. Meanwhile, the Indians ravaged 
the mining districts of Michigan, and defeated some small 
bodies of American troops. Finding the American army 
advancing upon him. Black Hawk retreated tOAvard the 
Mississippi. At last, in July, 1832, he was attacked by an 
advanced guard of the Americans, as he was about to cross 
the Wisconsin, forty miles from Fort Winnebago, and his 
army totally defeated. He escaped, but, after a time, he 
gave himself up. He was kindly treated, and Avas taken to 
Washington, where he had an interview with President 
Jackson, April, 1833. In 1837, he again visited the Atlan¬ 
tic states, in company with the celebrated Keokuk, Red 
Jacket, and other chiefs. They were received with cere¬ 
mony at New York, Boston, and other places, and seemed 
amazed at the poAver of the whites. From this time, Black 

HaAvk Avas friendly to the whites, and died at his residence 
on the Des Moines, October 3, 1838. 

1 W. Agriculture? 1.5. Manufactures? 1.5. Commerce ? 1.1. Lum- 

1 bering ? 18. Mining ? 19. Canals and railroads ? 20. Inhabit- 

lb 

ants ? 21. Education ? 22. Chief towns ? 23. History ? When 
was Illinois admitted into the Union ? 24. Indian war? 
































































































































114 


STATE OF MICHIGAN. 


Extent of Hiichigiiii, 56,21? square miles—Pop. in Ib50, ?97,651.—Pop. to sq. m., 7.07. 


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ed 

es 

o 

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E 

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S3 

S3 

s* 


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Detroit founded by the French, in 1681. 


Lesson LVI...State of Michigan. 

1. Characteristics. —This state is situated in the center 
of the Great Lakes, and possesses great advantages for trade. 

2. Mountains. —The southern peninsula of Michigan 
has no mountains, but an elevated table-land, about 300 
feet above the level of the lakes, runs through the center. 
The northern peninsula is more hilly, and the western part is 
covered by the ridges of the Wisconsin or Porcxipine Mount¬ 
ains, which rise 2000 feet above the level of Lake Superior. 

3. Prairies. —In the southwestern part of the state, 
there are prairies of considerable extent and great fertility. 

4. Kivers. —The rivers of the southern peninsula are 
small, but, running with a rapid descent from the dividing 
ridge to the east and west, afford abundance of mill- sites. 
The principal of these are the St. Joseph's, with a course 
of 200 miles, and navigable for steamboats seventy miles; 
the Kalamazoo, a smaller and more rapid stream, navigable 

Exercises on the Map of Michigan. — Boundaries? Ex¬ 
tent ? Population ?. Population to the square mile ? Whut waters 
separate Michigan into two peninsulas ? Where are the following ; 
Thunder Bay ; Saginaw Bay; Grand Traverse Bay; Beaver Isles ; 
Green Bay ; Mackinaw ? Pescribe the following rivers: Thunder 


for boats ; the Grand River, which has a winding course 
of about 300 miles, rising to the northwest of Saginaw 
Bay ; the Mashegon, and the Manistree, all flowing into 
Lake Michigan : the Cheboygan, a large stream at the 
north, flowing into Lake Huron ; the Thunder Ray River, 
flowing into Thunder Bay ; the Saginaw, composed of sev¬ 
eral large branches meeting from the south, the east, the 
west, artd the north, and passing into the bay of the same 
name ; and the Huron and French rivers, smaller streams 
running into Lake Erie. The rivers of the northern pen¬ 
insula mostly flow north, into Lake Superior. Of these, 
the principal are the Octonagon ; the Keewaiwona, flowing 
into a bay of the same name ; the Huron and the Chocolate. 
The Montreal, flowing into Lake Superior, is the north¬ 
western boundary, and has a fall of about ninety feet just 
above its mouth. The Menomonee, navigable eighty miles, 
flows into Green Bay, and forms the southwestern limit of 
this section. 

Bay River; Saginaw Bay River ; Grand Rapids ; Maskegon ; Ma 
nistree. Capital ? Direction of the following places from Lansing : 
Detroit; Kalamazoo ; Saginaw ; Mackinaw ? 

LESSON 'LVI. 1. Characteristics of Michigan ? 2. Mount¬ 
ains? 3. Prairies? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes, harbors, and bays? 























































































STATE OF MICHIGAN. 115 


5. takes, Harbors, and Bays .—Lakes Superior, 
Huron, St. Clair, and Erie bound the state on the north 
and east. Lake Michigan lies almost -wholly within its 
limits. It is 360 miles in length, with a mean breadth of 
sixty miles, and covers an area of 17,000 square miles ; its 
surface is 600 feet above that of the ocean, and its mean 
depth 900 feet. Its winters are clear, and abound with 
fish. It discharges itself into Lake Huron through the 
Straits of Michilimacinac, forty miles in length. In the 
northw^estern part of the lake is the large bay called Green 
Bay. Saginaw Bay, on Lake Huron, is thirty-two miles 
wide, and extends about sixty miles inland. The lake 
shores afford few good harbors in proportion to their ex- 

I tent. Lake Superior, the largest fresh-w^ater lake in the 
world, is 380 miles long and 130 wdde. The boundary 
between the United States and Canada passes through its 
center. It is surrounded by a rocky and uneven coast, and 
contains many considerable islands, one of which. Isle 
Royal, is forty miles wide and forty broad. The lake 
abounds in sturgeon, salmon-trout, and white-fish, w'hich 
are extensively caught. The storms here are equal to 
those of the Atlantic. The depth and elevation of the 
lake are nearly the same as those of Lake Michigan. Its 
waters are remarkably clear ; it receives thirty considerable 
rivers, and discharges itself, through St. Mary River, into 
Lake Huron. The rapids here prevent vessels from passing 
into it from Lake Huron. The Pictured Rocks are de- 
! scribed under the head of curiosities. Lake Huron, 

•\ through which the boundary betw'een the United States 

and Canada runs, is 218 miles and 130 broad. It has 
numerous islands; one of them, the Grand Manitou,\s 
eighty miles long. The borders of this lake are shallow, 
but it is very deep in the center. Lake Erie is 240 miles 
long, and from thirty to sixty broad. It receives the 
w'aters of Superior, Michigan, and Huron lakes, through 
Detroit River, and discharges its w'aters through Niagara 
River, into Lake Ontario. Lake St. Clair lies between 
Lake Huron and Lake Erie ; it is twenty-four miles long 
and thirty wide. It is connected with Lake Huron by the 
River St. Clair, which consists of six channels at its mouth, 
only one of which is navigable. This lake discharges itself 
into Lake Erie through Detroit River. The navigable 
waters of these lakes are under the jurisdiction of the 
United States government, in the same manner as the seas 
along our coasts. [See map, p. 28.) 

6. Islands. —There are several groups of islands in 
the northern part of Lake Michigan, called the Manitou 
Isles, Fox Isles, and Beaver Isles. 

7. Curiosities. —The southeastern shore of Lake Su¬ 
perior exhibits a singular phenomenon, called the Pictured 
Rocks. They are a series of lofty bluffs and precipices, 
exhibiting the appearance of towering walls, ruins, caverns, 
waterfalls, Ac., in every variety of combination. They 
extend twelve miles, and are generally about 300 feet in* 
bight, and often overhang the water. The color varies in 
shades of black, yellow, red, w'hite, and brown. The 
waves, driven by the violent north winds, have worn the 
rocky shores into numerous caverns, bays, and indentations, 
which increiise the romantic effect of these appearances. 
In some places, these caverns receive the waves with a 
tremendous roar. In one place, a cascade tumbles from 
the top of the rock in so wide a curve, that boats pass 
between the sheet of water and the shore. Another spot 

6. Islands? 7. Curiosities? 8. Mineral springs? 9. Vegetable 


exhibits a mass of rock, supported by four natural pillars, 
and overgrown on the top with trees ; it is called the Doric 
Rock, and closely resembles a work of art. 

8. Mineral Spring;^. —Salt springs occur in many 
places. 

9. Vegetable Products. —The water-courses, ponds, 
and marshes in the northwest are covered with Avild rice. 
It is a tall, reedy Avater-plant, and springs up from the 
depth of six or seven feet, where the bottom is soft and 
muddy; it rises nearly as high above the water ; its leaves 
and spikes resemble those of oats, but are much larger. 
When it is intended to be preserved, the spikes are bound 
together to preserve the grain from the Avater-fowls, Avhich 
resort to these spots in millions. After it has ripened, 
canoes are rowed among the grain, blankets are spread in 
the bottoms of the canoes, and the grain is beaten out 
upon them. It is as white as common rice, and has much 
the taste of sage. This constituted a large part of the food 
of the Indians who formerly resided in this quarter. The 
forests in this quarter, consisting of oak, beech, and maple, 
are very lofty. In the southern peninsula the same trees 
are found. The soil is adapted to the common grains and 
grasses. Apples, pears, and plums flourish, but the cli¬ 
mate is too cold for peaches. 

10. Animals. —The elk, bear, deer, lynx, wild-cat, 
wild turkeys, and aquatic fowls, are common. The cele¬ 
brated Avhite-fish, siscaquet, and salmon-trout weighing 
from ten to seventy pounds each, are abundant, particularly 
in Lake Huron. 

11. Minerals. — A part of the southern shores of 
Lakes Michigan and Hui'on present limestone, g 3 'psum, and 
briny springs. Iron, lead, coal, and peat are also found in 
different parts. Copper is abundant in the northwest, and 
extensive companies are occupied in obtaining if. On the 
banks of the Ontonagon large masses of native copper 
have been found, one of Avhich Aveighed 2200 pounds. 
The copper region extends along the southern shores of 
Lake Superior, and the mines are probably the richest in 
the Avorld. 

12. Climate. — The Avinters are severe, particularly in 
the northern part, and snoAv lies to the depth of from six 
to eighteen inches, for several Aveeks, eA'en in the southern 
part. The average temperature of Avinter is 20°, of sum¬ 
mer 80°. The spring is Avet and backward ; summer dry ; 
autumn mild ; Avinter dry and cold. 

13. Soil. —A large part of the southern peninsula is 
fertile, and well adapted to agriculture. The upper part 
abounds in lofty forests, but presents little attraction to the 
farmer, on account of its broken and rugged nature. 

14. Face of the Country. —The center of the 
southern peninsula forms an elevated table-land, 300 feet 
above the surface of the lakes, and divides the Avatei-s floAV'- 
ing into Lake Michigan from those running into Lakes Erie, 
St. Clair, and Huron. The face of the country, in general, 
is level, or gently undulating ; the southern part consists of 
open land, knoAvn by the name of the Oak Plains, Avith a 
productive soil; in the southwest are fertile prairies. 
Along the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan are sand¬ 
hills, throAvn by the winds into fantastic forms, generally 
bare, but sometimes covered Avith stunted oaks. The 
northern peninsula is more hillj’^ and brokert. The rivers 
are obstructed by rocks, and there are numerous falls of 
great hight. The northwest is mountainous. 

products ? 10. Animals ? 11. Minerals ? 12. Climate ? 13. Soil ? 


















116 


STATE OF MICHIGAN. 


15. Divisions.—Michigan is divided as follosvs: 

Comities. Pop. in IS50. County Towns. Pop. in 1840. 1850. 

Allegan. 5.125.Alleagn. fnU 

Btirry. 5,072 .HaslJiigs. 279 

Beriieii.11,417.llerrien. 489 

Brnncli. 12,472.Cold Water. . 

Calhoun.19,162.Marshall. 1,763 

Casa. 10,907.Cassopolis. 400 

< hippewa. 898. .Sant St. .Mary. 

Clinton. 5.102.1)e Witt. . 

.. 7,058.Charlotte. 529 

t.enesee.12,031.Klint. 984 

Hillsdale.16.159.IliJl.sdale. . 

Houghton. 708.Eagle River. . 

Huron. 210. 

Ingham. 8,631 ..Mason. . 

Ionia. 7,597 .Ionia. 486 

Jackson.19,431.lackson... 

Kalamazoo.13,179.Kalamazoo. 1.29.1 

Kent.12,016 .Crand Rapids.. 

Lapeer. 7.029 .Laptter. 74ii 

Lenawee. 26,372..Adritin. 2.496 

Liviintston. 13,485.Howell..*. 321 

Macoinh. 15,530..Mount Clemens.. 

Marquette. 136. 


Musoi). 




Miillaml. 








Monroe. 



.... 1,793 

Newago. 







. . 1,994 

Oceana. 




Ontonagon. 











. 8..7 








413 





Schoolcraft..... 








Tuscola. 




Van Buren ...... 


.Pawp.TW. 

- 

Washtenaw. 



.... 2 5 ) 

Wayne. 


.Detroit. 

.... 9.1 ' 


16. Agriculture.— This is devoted to the raising of 
wheat, r 3 'e, oats, maize, buckwheat, bailey, flax, hemp, 
garden vegetables, and grasses. The common fruits are 
cultivated with success. Cattle are numerous. 

13, Manufactures. —These are in their infancy, yet 
they are considerable, and rapidly increasing. 

18. Commerce.— This conMsts cliiefly in the export 
of surplus produce, which has reached a very large amount. 
Furs, from the interior, and lumber, to a great extent, are 
also exported. The imports consist of foreign manufac¬ 
tures and tropical productions. The facilities for commerce 
by steamboats, propellers, and sail-vessels, are unrivaled. 
Steamboats start daily from Buffalo, touch at various ports 
in Ohio, along the southern shore of Lake Erie, pass up 
Detroit River, through Lake and River St. Clair, across 
Lake Huron, through the straits of Mackinaw, to Milwaukee, 
in Wisconsin, and Chicago, in Illinois—making the trip 
in about four days. The railroad and steamboat line, di¬ 
rect from Buffalo, along the northern shore of Lake Erie, to 
Detroit, and thence across the country to Michigan City, 
is made in thirty-six hours—about 580 miles. Arrange¬ 
ments are in progress which will enable a passenger to go 
from Detroit to the city of New York in thirty hours. As 
an extraordinary example of extended internal navigation, 
it may be stated that sugars are brought from New Orleans 
to Detroit by way of the Mississippi, through Illinois, and 
also through Ohio, and across Lake Erie—a distance of 
2200 miles. 

^ 19. L.uml>cring,— This, embracing pine, walnut, ma¬ 
ple, and white-wood, is carried on to an immense extent— 
the lumber being sent down the Mississippi and the Ohio, 
and also across the lakes to New York and Boston. 


20. Milling.—The mining operations are chiefly con¬ 
fined to copper, along the shores of Lake Superior. These 
are of great extent, being conducted by incorporated com¬ 
panies in our larger cities, the heaviest operators being in 
Boston and Pittsburg. 

21. Fisheries. —The taking of white-fish, siscaquet, 
sturgeon, and salmon-trout is largely carried on. These 
are salted and exported to a considerable extent. 

22. lluiitiiig.—A few trappers are occupied in taking 
wild animals for their fur. A considerable amount of skins 
are also obtained from the Indians, Avho bring them to De¬ 
troit, or sell them to traders who visit them in their remote 
haunts. 

23. Canals and Railroads. —Micliigan has pro¬ 
jected and commenced an extensive system of internal im¬ 
provements, but only a portion of these are completed. 

The Michigan Central Railroad, from Detroit to Kalamazoo, 
a most important Avork, is in full operation. Plank roads 
are getting into use, and five extend out from Detroit. 

24. Inhabitants. —There are a feAV descendants of 
the early French settlers at Detroit; but by far the larger 
portion are emigrants from other states, with a considerable 
mixture of foreign population. The Indians have mostly 
disappeared in the southern part. 

25. Education. —The Michigan University, at Ann 
Arbor, has departments of literature, science, and the arts, 
of law, and of medicine. This institution has been well 
endoAved by large grants of lands. There is a Methodist 
Seminary at Albion, in successful operation. There are 
some academies, and numerous common schools. The 
subject of education is receiving considerable attention. 

26. Chief Towns. —The city of Detroit, formerly 
the capital, and much the largest town in the state, occu¬ 
pies the site of an old French port and village, which took 
the name Detroit, meaning Strait, from the river which 
connects Lakes St. Clair and Erie. Although founded at 
the beginning of the last century, Detroit Avas an inconsid¬ 
erable village in 1830 ; its business and population have 
increased Avith great rapidity during the last feAv years, and 
must continue to grow Avith the growth of the great region 
bordering on the upper lakes. It is the depot of the 
northwestern fur trade, and, standing in the center of this 
great chain of seas, and on the summit level in Avhich the 
principal rivers of the continent rise, it communicates easily 
Avith Quebec, Ncav York, New Orleans, and Avith the shores 

of Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan. There are here i 
several handsome public buildings; the streets are regular 
and spacious, and the situation pleasant. Numerous large 
steamers run betAveen this lake and Chicago on one side, ! 

and Buffalo on the other, touching at the intermediate ; 

ports. Mackinaw is a village, and a United States military j 

post, on an island and strait of the same name, at the | 

northwestern extremity of Lake Huron. It is commanded 
by a very strong fort, situated on a lofty bluff. The - 
Indians assemble here once a year to receive their annuity 
from the United States government. Monroe City, near 
the mouth of the River Raisin, is accessible by large ves- | 

sels from the lake, and is a place of commercial importance. | 

Adrian, next to Detroit, is the largest town in the state ; j 

Tecumseh, on the Raisin, is a small village ; Ann Arbor, 
the seat of the University of Michigan, is a fine, growing ■ 
toAvn ; Ypsilanti, on Huron River, is a thriving village ; 


14. Face of the country? 15. Divisions? 16. Agriculture? 
11. Manufactures ? IQ. Coinmerce? 19. Lumbering? 20. Min¬ 


ing 

24. 


? 21. Fisheries? 22. Hunting? 23. Canals and railroads ? 
Inhabitants? 25. Education? 26. Towns? 27. History? 









































































































































STATE OF MICHIGAN. 


117 


Jackson, on Grand River, is a* considerable and growing 
town, with the state-prison ; Pontiac, on the Clinton, Kal¬ 
amazoo and Marshall, on the Kalamazoo River, are all 
places of some note ; St. Mary s, at the Rapids, is a trading 
post, and is thriving ; Mt. Clemens, on the coast of Lake 
Huron, and St. Joseph, on the Michigan, are small villages. 
Lansing, the capital, is pleasantly situated near the conflu¬ 
ence of the Grand and Cedar rivers. The district around 
is extremely fertile. The greater part of the towns in the 
state are in the southern portion. Mackinaw, and St. 
Mary’s at the Falls, are the most northern settlements, 
excepting those of the copper mines, near Lake Supei'ior. 
Niles, in the southerly part of the state, is an important 
and growing town. In the county of Ottowa, on the east¬ 
ern shore of Lake Michigan, a rich and thriving settlement 
of 3000 Germans has lately been made, where they have 
fine lands and a good harbor. 

27. History. —The region along the upper lakes was 
claimed by the French, in consideration of the explorations 
of Champlain, who visited Lake Huron in 1615. Some 
time after, a fort was built, and a mission established at 
Mackinaw. The Jesuit missionaries made exertions to con¬ 
vert the Indians, Avho were numerous in this region. They 
had some success with the large and powerful tribe of the 
Hurons. Fort Pontchartrain, on the present site of Detroit, 
was built by the French in 1747. In 1763, this country 
passed, with Canada, into the hands of the British, but the 
English garrison at Fort Mackinaw was surprised and mas¬ 
sacred by the Indians in that year. The master-spirit of 
this period, among the savages, was Pontiac, chief of the 
Ottawas, an ancient tribe who exercised a sort of sover¬ 
eignty over the others. Pontiac claimed to be a king, and 
received homaore as such. He was the strenuous friend of 

O 

the French, and the enemy of the English. After the con¬ 
quest of Quebec, he still claimed to be king of the country, 
and when the British agent was sent thither, the chief 
placed himself in his way, and said haughtily, “ I stand in 
the path you travel till to-morrow morning.” He seemed 
to submit to the English for a time, but in 1763 he united 
with the Hurons, Miamis, Chippeways, Ottawas, Pottawat- 
tamies, Mississanges, and other tribes scattered in these 
regions, in a general conspiracy. Their first object of attack 
was Michilimacinac. This was taken by stratagem—the 
Indians gaining admission to the fort during a game of ball, 
which they called haggatiway. Seventy of the soldiers were 
put to death. The rest were sent to Montreal, and ran¬ 
somed. Eleven other English forts speedily fell into the 
hands of the savages. Pontiac’s power at this point was 
great. He drew bills on birch bark, consisting of a gun, 
bag of coi n, or deer, and signing them with the figure of 
an otter, which was his coat-of-arms. These passed cur¬ 
rent among the Indians, and were faithfully redeemed. 
Detroit was now on the point of falling into the hands of 
the Indians, but the plot was discovered, and the garrison 
w'ere prepared for the attack. The place was besieged for 
more than a year. In a sally of the fort, a fierce battle was 
fought at a place which now bears the name of Bloody 
Bridge. The siege continued until the place was relieved 
by an English array of 3000 men, under Gen. Bradstreet. 
Pontiac retired, and reluctantly submitted to the English. 
He was killed in 1767, by an Indian spy, in their interest. 
He was one of the most remarkable men of his race for 
resolute courage, deep sagacity, fertile invention, mighty 
projects, and stirring eloquence. The post of Detroit was 



resigned to the United States, by the English, in 1796. In 
1805, Michigan belonged to the Northwest Territory, but 
in that year it was placed under a distinct territorial gov¬ 
ernment. In 1812, Detroit fell into the hands of the Brit¬ 
ish, with a large American force, under the command of the 
cowardly and incompetent Gen. Hull. Several massacres 
of American soldiers, who had surrendered, took place, 
by the Indian allies of the British, in violation of pledges. 
The next year, September, 1813, the whole British fleet on 
Lake Ei ie surrendered to Commodore Perry. This event i 
happened at the western extremity of the lake, near the lim- | 
its of Michigan. Gen. Harrison, commanding the American j 
forces, now turned the tide of war against the enemy, and, i 
by the splendid victory of the Thames, eighty miles from I 
Detroit, completely defeated the British array, with their 
powerful Indian allies, under the renowned Tecumseh. This 
victory restored our complete ascendency in this quarter. 
Michigan was admitted as a state in 1836, and has since 
rapidly advanced in prosperity. The powerful Indian tribes 
which extended their alliances far north in the British pos¬ 
sessions, and south, so as to include the Six Nations of 
Northern New York, have been cut down by the scythe of 
civilization, and, as before remarked, have nearly disap¬ 
peared from the southern peninsula of this state. There 
are considerable numbers in the northern portion. Small 
parties may be frequently seen at Detroit. Several thou¬ 
sands come from the surrounding regions, annually, to re¬ 
ceive their annuities from the United States, according to 
treaty. These payments are made at Mackinaw and Grand 
Rapids. 
















































118 

Lesson LVIL..State of 
Wisconsin. 

1. Characteristics.— 

This is a new state, between 
the Mississippi River and 
lakes Michigan and Superior. 

2, Mountains. — The 
Porcupine rancfe traverses the 
central part of this state, 
some of the peaks being 2600 
feet high. In the northern 
part of the state, bordering 
upon the Mississippi, the coun¬ 
try is much broken with hills. 

3. Prairies. —There are 
extensive prairies in the south, 
affording great range for pas¬ 
turage. 

4. Rivers. —The Missis¬ 
sippi washes the western 
boundary, and receives the 
principal rivers. The Rock 
River passes into Illinois, but 
is navigable within the limits 
of Wisconsin. The Wiscon¬ 
sin is one of the most import¬ 
ant tributaries of the Upper 
Mississippi, and has a course 
of about 500 miles, risincj 
near the sources of the Mon¬ 
treal of Lake Superior, and 
the Menomonee oS. Lake Michi¬ 
gan, and approaching, at the 
Great Bend, within a few 
miles of Fox River. Its navi¬ 
gation is obstructed by shoals 
and bars, except in high 
stages of the water. The 

o 

Chippewa is also a large 

stream, entering the Mississippi. The St. Louis flows into 
the Fond du Lac, or head of Lake Superior, and may there¬ 
fore be considered as the source of the St. Lawrence. It 
is much broken by rapids and falls. The Fox River, of 
Green Bay, is a fine navigable stream, with some rapids. 

5. Lakes. —This state touches upon Lake Superior on 
the north, and Lake Michigan on the east. There are many 
small lakes and swamps, abounding in fish, in the north. 
Lake Winnebago, between Fond du Lac and Fox River, is 
twenty-four miles long, and ten broad. There are four 
beautiful small lakes near Madison. 

6. Bay and Shores. —The only good harbor on the 
west coast of Lake Michigan is at Milwaukee. Oreen Bay is 
partly in this state, at the head of which is a good harbor. 

7. Vegetable Products. —Wild rice is common here, 
as well as in Michigan. The prairies are covered with tall 
grass and weeds. The greater part of the country is occu¬ 
pied by heavy forests of oak, maple, walnut, &c. White 
pine is found in the north. 

Exercises on the Map of Wisconsin. —Boundaries ? Ex¬ 
tent ? Population ? Population to the square mile ? What two 
great lakes touch upon Wisconsin ? . What great river bounds it on- 
the west? Where is Lake Winnebago? Green Bag? Describe the 
following: Wisconsin River ; Peshtego. Capital? Direction of the 


STATE OF WISCONSIN. 


Extent, square miles. 


0 

9 


I 

0 

B 



Ml 


-/I 

CMC 


.■iT.on.'VVest from.'Washinrf on 


Population in iSiO, §05,191.—Population to the square mile, 5.65. 


8. Minerals.—The southwestern part of Wisconsin is 
exceedingly rich as a mineral region, \vInch extends into 
Illinois and Iowa. Lead ore, yielding 75 per cent, of 
metal, is abundant. This whole lead district produced 
30,000,000 pounds in 1839. Copper ore is also extensively 
found. The former has long been, and the latter is begin- 
nintr to be wrought. Iron ore also exists. 

o o 

9. Animals.—The bear, elk, deer, and the smaller 
quadrupeds are abundant. The rivers and lakes are the 
resort of sea-fowl, and their waters are filled with fish. 
Grouse and wild turkeys are common. 

10. Climate.—This very nearly corresponds with that 
of Michigan. 

11. Soil.—In the southwest are extensiv'e tracts of "ood 

o 

soil, with occasional swamps and marshes, or, as they are 
called, wet prairies. Many of these have a rich soil, of 
great depth. Bordering on the Mississippi and Wisconsin, 
the soil is rich, and covered with heavy timber. All the 
grains and common fruits tlouiish. 

following places from Madison : Milwaukee; Mineral Point; Prai¬ 
rie du Chien ; Green Bay ? 

LESSON LVII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Prai¬ 
ries ? 4. Rivers ? 5. Lakes ? 6. Bays and shores ? 7. Vegetable 

products ? 8. Minerals ? 9. Animals ? 10. Climate ? 11. Soil ? 











































































STATE OF WISCONSIN. 


119 



12. Fac;e of the Country. —The southern part is 
generally of a level character. North of the Wisconsin, the 
country rises into hills, and at last swelling into mount¬ 
ains, with a broken surface, creates falls and rapids in the 
streams, with wild and picturesque scenery. Further north, 
near the sources of the Mississippi, is an elevated table¬ 
land, with lakes and swamps abounding in wild rice. 

13. Political Divisions. —This state is divided into 
counties, as follows : 


Counties. 

Pop. in 1850. 


. 187. 

Brown. 


Calumet.... 


Columbia. 


Chippewa. 



. 2,498, 

Dane. 


Dodge. 


Fond du Lac. 


Grant. 


Green. 


Iowa. 


Jefferson. 


Kenosha. 


lAfayette. 


La Pointe. 


Manitoowoc. 


Marathon. 


Marquette. 


Milwaukee. 


Portage. 


Racine. 


Richland. 


Rock. 


Sauk. 


Sheboygan. 



. 624. 

Walworth. 


Washington. 


Waukesha. 


Winnebago. 



CouDty Towns. Pop. in 1840. 


.Green Bny. —• 

.Calumet. —— 

.ColuritbiiB. . 

.Chippewa. . 

.Prairie du Chien. 1,600 

.Madison. 316 

.DiMlge Center. 

Fond dii Lac. 

.1..nnca8ter. — 

.Monroe. . 

.Mineral Point. 100 


.Jefferson .,. 
.Kenosha.... 
.Shuilsburg.. 
.1.A Pointe... 
Manitoowoc 
, Wausau ..., 
Marquette.. 


.Milwaukee.1,112 

.Plover Podge. . 

.Racine. 1,920 

.Richland. — 

.Janesville. — 

.Adams. —— 

.Sheboygan.. 


. Willow River. -- - 

.Rikhom. ■ 

.Washington. —— 

.Waukesha. 450 

.Oshkosh.....*. 


1860. 


1,811 


20,026 

6,111 


14. Ag:riculture. —Every thing is here in its infancy, 
but the useful arts have been developed with astonishing 
rapidity. Cattle are raised in large quantities, and the har¬ 
vests of grain are abundant. 

15. Manufactures. —These have been recently begun, 
but they are considerably diversified, and are rapidly in¬ 
creasing in variety and amount. 

16. Commerce.— This consists mainly of the exports 
of produce, which are great and important, considering the 
recent settlement of the state. Milwaukee is the chief port. 
There is considerable trade also at Green Bay, and Prairie 
du Chien, on the Mississippi, the latter being visited by 
steamboats ascending that river at high water. 

17. Liumberingr.— This is carried on to a considerable 
extent; the lumber consisting of pine, black-walnut, and 
maple. It is sent to market by way of Lake Michigan, and 
down the Mississippi. 


18 . Mining". —This is chiefly confined to the working 
of lead and copper. 

19. Fisheries. —The white-fish, salmon-trout, and sis- 
caquet are extensively taken in the lakes. 

20. Hunting. —A few persons are chiefly occupied in 
hunting animals for furs. 

21. Railroads. — Several are in progress: one to 
connect Milwaukee with Dubuque. 

22. Inhabitants. —This state has been chiefly settled 
from the other states, with a considerable infusion of for¬ 
eigners. Nearly the whole country north of the Fox and 
Wisconsin rivers is occupied by the Chippewas, Winne- 
hagoes, Menomonees, and other Indian tribes, who live 
chiefly by hunting the buffalo, and other wild animals. 

23. Education. —There are several academies, and 
numerous common schools, considering the recent establish¬ 
ment of the state. The public interest in education is 
highly creditable to the inhabitants. 

24. Chief Towns. —The most important place in the 
state is Milwaukee, on Lake Michigan. Having the only 
good harbor between Chicago and Green Bay, it has be¬ 
come a great commercial mart. It is thronged by steam¬ 
boats, which communicate with the lower lakes. It has 
commerce with Chicago and Michigan City by steamboats, 

' and from these two points it is in connection, by railroads 
and canals, with the Mississippi, down to New Orleans, on 
the west, and, by way of the lower lakes, with New York 
on the east. The increase of this place in population has 
few parallels. Oreen Bay has a thriving trade. Racine and 
Cheboygan, on the lake, and Prairie du Chien, near the 
junction of the Mississippi and Wisconsin, are the principal 
places. The latter is on a beautiful prairie, and has a large 
trade. Madison, the capital, is a new town, beautifully 
situated in the neighborhood of several fine lakes. 

25. History. —Wisconsin has a brief history. It was 
claimed by the French as part of their northern posses¬ 
sions, and they early made a settlement at Prairie du Chien. 
Here the United States established a fort and an Indian 
trading post, which continued, a long time, to mark the 
frontier of our settlements in this quarter. The country 
came to us in 1783, from the English, who obtained it 
from the French in 1763. It was formed into a Territory in 
1836, and admitted into the Union in February, 1847. Its 
progress in population has been very rapid. 


12 . Pace of the country ? 13 . Divisions ? 14 . Agriculture t 

15 Manufactures? lA, Commerce ? 1.1, iMinbering ? IQ. Min¬ 


ing? 13. Fisheries ? ZO.Ihinting? 21 . Canals and railroaas? 
22 . Inhabitants ? 23 . Education ? 24 . Chief tovms ? 25 . History ? 















































































































































120 


STATE OF IOWA. 


Lesson LVIlL..State of Iowa. 

1. Characteristics.— Iowa, lying be¬ 
tween tlie two great rivers, Missouri and Mis¬ 
sissippi, is an extensive and flourishing 
state, noted for its fertile soil, fine climate, 
and rich minerals. 

2. Itloiiiitains. —There are hills, swells, 
and undulations in this state, but none that 
can be properly called mountains, 

3. Prairies. —These extend over three- 
fourths of the state. They are destitute of 
trees and shrubs, but are covered with lux¬ 
uriant wild grass. 

4. Rivers. —The Mississippi bounds 
this state on the east, and the Missouri on 
the west. The Des Moines River rises in a 
beautiful group of lakes near lat. 44° north, 
and, after a short course, enters and flows 
through the central part of the state, and 
mingles with the Mississippi at the foot of 
the Des Moines Rapids, forming a part of its southeast 
boundary. Its whole course is about 400 miles. It is sus¬ 
ceptible of navigation, by very moderate improvements, for 
a distance of 250 miles. The other tributaries of the Mis¬ 
sissippi from this state, are the Chacagua or Skunk River, 
the Iowa —300 miles long, and navigable to Iowa city— 
the Wapsipinecon, Makoqueta, Penaca or Turkey, and the 
Upper Iowa. The streams flowing into the Missouri are the 
head waters of the Chariton, Grand, Little Platte, Noda- 
%i)ay, and Nishnebottona. The Little Sioux rises in Spirit 
Lake, and has its course wholly in the state; as is also the 
case with Floyd's, Boyer's, and Five Barrel Creek. 

5. JLaRes. —This state has numerous small lakes in the 
north, the largest of which. Spirit Lake, is about twenty 
miles long. 

6. Vegetable Products* — The forests, embracing 
the various deciduous trees common to this region, rise to a 
great hight. Crab-apples, plums, strawberries, and grapes 
are indigenous and abundant. 

7. Animals. —The bison, bear, deer, panther, wolf, fox, 
wild turkey, grouse, and the smaller quadrupeds, are abun¬ 
dant. 

8. Minerals. —A portion of Iowa is exceedingly rich 
as a mineral region. The great lead-country of the north¬ 
ern part of Illinois, and the southern part of Wisconsin, 
crosses the Mississippi, and in Iowa comprehends about 
eighty townships, containing about 2880 square miles. It 
borders upon the Little Makoqueta River, about twelve 
miles from east to west, and extends a considerable distance 
south, and still further north, along the Mississippi. Zinc 

. and iron ore also abound in this region. Some of the latter 
is magnetic. Limestone is abundant, and there is some 
beautiful marble, The town of Dubuque, northeast of Iowa 
city, is in the center of the mineral region. 

9. Climate. —The climate, excepting some low bottom¬ 
lands on the rivers and streams, is salubrious. The streams 
are not sluggish, and, therefore, their borders are more 
healthy than in some portions of the western country. 
Winter commences in December, and ends in March. The 

Exercises on the Map of Iowa. — Boundaries? Extent? 
Population? Population to the square mile? Between what two 
great rivers does Iowa lie ? Describe the following rivers: Des 
Moines; Bed Cedar; Floyd's River. Capital? Direction of the 


Extent, so,914 square miles. 



weathe is variabK*, and so net tnes sevei'e, but less so than 
is common in ilie same kaitii<ir. 

9. Soil.— This is gener.dly good, consisting of a deep, 
black mold. In the prairies, it is mixed with sandy loam, 
and sometimes with red clay and gravel. 

11. Face of the Country. —There is a general slope 
to the southwest, as the rivers flowing into the Mississippi 
show. The western and southern portions incline toward 
the Missouri. Numerous swells form a fine arrangement of 
upland and lowland plains. The prairies are magnificent. 

12. Divisions. —Iowa is divided as follows: 


Counties. 

Alleinakee • 
Appanoose. 


Pop. in 1850. 


Black Hawk. 135. 

Boone. 7.35- 

Buchanan. 517. 

Cedar. 3,941. 

Clark. 79. 

Clayton. 3,873- 

Clinton. 2,822- 

Dallas. 854. 

Davis. 7,261. 

Decatur. 965. 

Delaware. .. 1,759. 

Des Moines.12,987. 

Du fiuque.10,841. 

Fayette. 825- 

Fremont. 1,244- 

Henry. 8,707- 

lowa. 822. 

Jackson. 7,210. 

Jasper. 1,280. 

Jefferson. 9,904. 


Jones. 3,007... 

Keokuk. 4,822... 

l.ee.18,860... 

Linn. 5.444... 

Louisa. 4,939 -.. 

Lucas. 471... 

Madison. 1,179... 

Mahaska..'. 5,989... 

Marion. 5,482-., 

Marshail. 338- 


Monroe. 

Muscatine-... 

Page. 

Polk. 

Potawatamie 
Poweshiek .. 

Scott. 

Tama.- 

Taylor. 


2,884. 


County Towna. 

Pop. in 1840. 

. .Postville. 

. . 

. .Centerville. 

. . 

..Vinton..'. ...... 


..Independence... 

_ 

..Tipton. 


.. Gariiaville. 

_ 

..De Witt. 

— 

..Aden. 

_ 

.. BloomOeld. 

_ 


_ 


. - 


. 1,831 


. 1,300 




. 400 


. . - 


. . r — 


_ 


— 


. 800 


— 


— 


. 700 


... 


_ 


. . 


. . 

... Oskaloosa. 

. _ 






. 600 

...Page C. 11 . 

_. - 


_ 




1850. 


5,102 

3,710 


2,308 


615.Montezuma. 

5,986.Davenport.. 

8 . 

204.Taylor C. H. 


following places from Iowa City: Burlington ; Bloomington ; Marion? 

LESSON LVUI. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Prai¬ 
ries? ^.Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Vegetable products? 1. Animals? 
8. Minerals? 9. Climate? 10. Soil? II.Face of the country? 




















































































































































































STATE OF IOWA. 


121 


Counties* • Pop. in 1S50 County Towns Pop. in 1S40* 1$60* I 

Van Buren.12,270.Keosauquu. 

Wapello. 8,471.Ottumwa. . 

Warren. 9C1.Indiaiiola. . 

Washington. 4,957.Washington. 100 

Wayne . 340. 

Winneshiek. 540.VVinneshich C. H_ _ 

13. Ag:i‘iculture.—The agricultural productions are 
Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, buckwheat, potatoes, pump¬ 
kins, garden vegetables, and various fruits. Horses, mules, 
sheep, cattle, and swine are largely produced. 

14. Mauufacturcs.—These are considerably varied. 
There are large flour-mills, tanneries, &c. 

15. Commerce.—This is chiefly confined to the ex¬ 
port of produce, which is mostly carried down the Missis¬ 
sippi. Foreign goods are brought by railroad from Chicago 
to Galena, and thence to Dubuque. Lead is sent by this 
route to the Atlantic states, as well as down the Mississippi. 

16. Iiumbcriug:.—Considerable lumber, pine; black- 
walnut, and maple, is taken to market. 

17. TVIiniiig:.—The lead mines are extensively wrought, 
and lead forms a large article of export. 

18. Huuliiig'.—This is chiefly confined to the Indians. 

19. Canals and Railroads.—The state is too new 
for works of this kind, but the internal improvements of 
Illinois, and the states further east, afford easy communica¬ 
tion with the Atlantic country. 

20. Inhabitants.—The settlements are chiefly in the 
southwest. They consist of emigrants from other states, 
with many foreigners. The Sioux, Sacs, Foxes, and other 
Indians are thinly scattered over three-fourths of the state. 
They live chiefly by hunting and fishing, bringing large 
numbers of furs to market. The bison is with them favor¬ 
ite food, and dog’s flesh is a great delicacy. The cele¬ 
brated Black Hawk, whose history we have given in our 
account of Illinois, had his residence in this state, on the 
Des Moines. After he was captured, he made a speech to 
Gen, Atkinson, of which the following is a part: 

“ You have taken me prisoner, with all my warriors. I am 
much grieved, for I expected, if I did not defeat you, to hold out 
much longer, and give you more, trouble before I surrendered. 

I tried hard to bring you into ambush, but your last general un¬ 
derstands Indian fighting. The first one was not so wise. 
Wheu I saw that I could not beat you by Indian fighting, I de¬ 
termined to rush upon you, and fight you face to face. I 
fought hard; but your guns were well aimed. The bullets 
flew like birds in the air, and whizzed by our ears like the wind 
through the trees in winter. My warriors fell around me. It 
began to look dismal. I saw my evil day at hand. The sun 
rose dim on us in the morning, and at night it sank in a dark 
cloud, and looked like a ball of fire. That was the last sun that 
shone on Black Hawk. * * * You know the cause of our 
making war. It is known to all white men. They ought to be 
ashamed of it. The white men despise the Indians, and drive 
them from their homes. But the Indians are not deceitful. The 
white men speak bad of the Indian, and look at him spitefully. 
But the Indian does not lie: Indians do not steal. An Indian 
who is as bad as the white men could not live in our nation ; he 
would be put to death, and eaten by the wolves. The white 
men are bad schoolmasters: they carry false looks, and deal in 
false actions; they smile in the face of the poor Indian to cheat 
him; they shake them by the hand to gain their confidence, to 
make them drunk, to deceive them,^nd ruin our wives. We were 
not safe. We lived in danger. We were becoming like them, 
hypocrites and liars, adulterers, lazy drones, all talkers, and no 
workers. We looked up to the Great Spirit. We went to our 
great fiither. We were encouraged. His great council gave us 
j fair words and big promises; but we got no satisfaction. Things 

12. Political Divisions? 13. Agriculture? 14, Manufactures? 
15. Commerce? 16. Lumbering? 17. Mining? 18. Hunting? 

16 



were growing worse. There were no deer in the forest. The 
opossum and beaver were fled. The springs were drying up, 
and our squaws and papooses without victuals to keep them 
from starving. We called a ^reat council, and built a large 
fire. The spirit of our fathers arose and spoke to us, to avenge 
our wrongs or die. We all spoke before the council fire. It 
iWas warm and pleasant. We set up the war-whoop, and dug up 
the tomahawk. Our knives were ready, and the heart of Black 
Hawk swelled high in his bosom, when he led his warriors to 
battle. He is satisfied. He will go to the world of spirits con¬ 
tented. He has done his duty. His father will meet him there 
and commend him. Farewell, my nation! Black Hawk tried 
to save you, and avenge your wrongs. He drank the blood of 
some of the whites. He has been taken prisoner, and his plans 
are stopped. He can do no more. He is near his end. His 
sun is setting, and he will rise no more. Farewell to Black 
Hawk.” 

21. Education. —There is a university at Mount Plea¬ 
sant, several academies, and numerous common schools. 
Education is highly appreciated. 

22. Towns. — Burlington, on the Mississippi, 1429 
miles above New Orleans, is a place of much trade, Du¬ 
buque is the center of the mineral region. Fort Madison, 
Bloomington, Davenport, and Salem are thriving places. 

23. Ilistory. —Iowa is a part of the Louisiana pur¬ 
chase. In 1832, the Indian title was extinguished in a part 
of the territory, and the settlement was commenced imme¬ 
diately after. It was separated from Wisconsin, and be¬ 
came an organized territory, in 1838. In 1846, it was ad¬ 
mitted into the Union. 

19. Canals and railroads ? 20. Inhabitants ? What of Black 
Hawk? 21. Education? 22. Towns? 23. History? 
























































122 


TERBITORIES IN THE VALLEY OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 


|tjuii. VV fi-oiii Greenwich, 



Extent of Minesota. 83,000 square miles. 

Extent of Nebraska Territory. 136,700 “ 

Extent of Northwest Territory. 587,564 

Extent of Indian Territory.187.171 

Extent of New Mexico.210.744 


Population in 1850,. 6,077. 

Population in 1850, only Indians. 10,000.1 

Population in 1850, estimated at. 70,000. 

Population in 1850,.... 61,505. 














































































































i TERRITORY C 

i Lesson LIX... Territories i Minesota. • 

1. Oeneral Remarks oa Territories. — The 

United States embrace two classes of territory : first, that 
of the settled states, and under state governments ; second, 
that which is not thus included in states, being under the 
! control of the General Government. A part of this latter 
territory is under organized territorial government, estab- 
lished by the United States, and a part is without such 

1 government. Thus, Minesota has a territorial government, 
i adopted by Congress in North-%vest Territor^fi?, 

; entirely without government, being principally inhabited by 
wandering tribes of Indians. When a territory has about 
100,000 inhabitants, and these form a state government, 
and make a proper application to Congress for admission 

1 into the Union, it becomes a state. In this way all the 
j Western States have been first under territorial govern¬ 
ments, and then admitted as states into the Union. The 
Territories at present existing in the valley of the Missis¬ 
sippi, are included between that great river and the Rocky 
Mountains, and are as follows : 

; Mineaot.!, North-west and Nebraska, 

i Indian Territory, New Mexico. 

2. Minesota—Cliaracteristics.—This territory is 
remarkable for its numerous small lakes and its even surface. 

j 3. Mountains.—Minesota is destitute of mountains, 

1 although there are many elevations of moderate hight, 
Ciilled mounds. 

4. Valleys.—The numerous water-courses are gener¬ 
ally bordered by beautiful valleys. 

5. Prairies.—These are of vast extent, destitute of 
tre^ or shrub, and covered only with luxuriant wild grass. 

f From April to October they present a gorgeous display of 
flowers of every form and hue. 

6. Rivers.—The Mississippi has its source in this 
territory, and after a course of about 900 miles, leaves its 
southeastern extremity. This immense river commences 
in Itasca Lake, a beautiful sheet of pure water. On issuing 
from this, it is sixteen feet wide; the depth of its water 
is fourteen inches, very transparent, with a swift current. 
From this point it traverses, by a very circuitous route, a 
distance of 700 miles, to the Falls of St. Anthony. Below 
the falls, it is navigable for steamboats to the Gulf of 

' Mexico, an extent of 2000 miles. The Mississippi, for a 
distance of 200 miles north of the mouth of the St. Croix 
River, meanders through a rich valley of prairie and oak 
openings; the banks, above the Falls of St. Anthony, are 
from ten to thirty feet high ; the river runs over a grav¬ 
elly bed, and is fed by innumerable streams of clear and 
rapid water. The Minesota, or St. Peter's River, rises in 

I a region of lakes at the head of the Coteau des Prairies. 

\ After a course of 470 miles, it enters the Mississippi eight 

1 miles below the Falls of St. Anthony. The Red River of 
j the North drains a large basin, flows into Winnipeg Lake, 

1 and thence into Hudson’s Bay. The River. Au Jacques 

1 flows through a fine valley, and enters the Missouri. 

7. Takes .—Red Lake is 100 miles in circumference; 

1 Leach Lake about fifty. Nearly one-fourth part of the 
* country is covered with small lakes of pure water. 

)F MINESOTA. 123 

8. Vegetable Products.—The prairies are covered 
with blooming wild grasses. The forests consist of lofty 
deciduous trees. Along the northern portion of the Mis¬ 
sissippi is a pine forest of great extent, called the Pinery. 

9. Animals.—The buffalo roams in herds over a great 
part of the territory. Elk, deer, beaver, wild turkeys, and 
water-fowl abound. The waters teem with fish; white- 
fish, especially, are found in great numbers. 

10. Climate.—The climate is even and mild for the I 

latitude. I 

11. Soil.—This is generally good. In the valley of the ' 

St. Peter’s it is extremely fertile. 

12. Face of the Country.—This presents a beauti¬ 
ful arrangement of high and low plains, without mountains 
or distinct hills, yet there is considerable variety formed by 
the valleys of the water-courses, the waving woodlands, 
and the intervening prairies. 

Chippewa Cradle. 

13. Political JDivisions.—Minesota is divided into 1 

counties as follows: 

CountiM. Pop. iu 1850. Counties. Pop. in 1850. 

Benton. 418 M^iukatah. 158 

Dacotah. 584 Wahnahta. 160 

Pembina. 1,134 Washington. 1,056 

Ramsey. 2,227 Itasca..T. 97 

Wabashaw. 243 - 

Total. 6,077 

The white inhabitants, consisting of emigrants from the , 
other states, are chiefly situated in the region of St. Paul, 
which is the seat of the territorial governnient. Most of 
the territory is occupied by the Indians. The chief tribe, 
and the most powerful in the United States, is the Dah 
cotah, or Sioux. They number about 30,000, but are j 

under treaty stipulations to remove. 

14. Towns.—The settlements in this region are new 
and small. Fort Snelling, on the Mississippi, just above 
the entrance of St. Peter’s River, consists of extensive 
military works for the protection of our frontier from the 
Indians. St. Paul, the capital, is on the Mississippi, be¬ 
tween Fort Snelling and Lake Pepin. Pop. 1850, 1,135. 

15. History.—This region was first visited by the 

French, who gave names to different parts—as Coteau des 
Prairies, Coteau des Bois, <fec.—which are still retained. i 

The country has remained unsettled till a recent period. ; 

It received a territorial government from Congress in 1848. 

! Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Minesota ? Extent? 

Population ? Where does the Mississippi River rise ? Where are 

1 the Falls of St. Anthony? Where is Red Lake? Itasca Lake? 

Devil’s Lake ? Where does St. Peter’s River rise ? Where is Fort 
j. Snelling ? St. Paul ? Lake Pepin ? 

1 

I 

LESSON LIX. 1. General remarks ? Name the territories east 
of the. Rocky Mountains. 2. Characteristics of Minesota ? 3. Mount- i 

ains? ^.Valleys? 5. Prairies? S. Rivers ? 1. Lakes? 8. Vege ! 

table products? 3. Animals? "LO. Climate? IlTl.SoU? 1.2. Face j 

of the country ? 13. Population ? 14. Tovms ? 15. History ? 1 

i 

1 

. . . - - -- - -ft-1 





















































124 


TERRITORY OF MISSOURI, OR NEBRASKA. 





Lesson LX... Northwest & Nebraska Territories. 

1. Cliaracteristics. —This is a vast, unorganized ter¬ 
ritory, the greater part of which has never been explored, 
except by the Indians. 

2. Moiintaiiis. —The Rochj Mountains, forming the 
western boundary of this territory, rise to an elevation of 
13,570 feet, at Fremont’s Peak. In this region they are 
covered with perpetual snow. The Black Hills, com¬ 
mencing near the Rocky Mountains, extend northward 
to a point near Fort Laramie; from hence they spur off 
to the northeast, and extend nearly across the whole ter¬ 
ritory to the Missouri. 

3. Prairies.—A large portion of this territory con¬ 
sists of vast prairies, often stretching out for hundreds 
of miles. The water-courses are usually skirted by groves 
of timber. The soil is generally light; in some places 
there are bare plains of sand, and in others evidences of 
volcanic action are occasionally met with. These plains 
afford abundant grass and herbage for immense herds of 
bison, deer, and antelopes, that roam over its surface. 

4. Desert. —The Great American Desert extends into 
this territory; it is described under Indian Territory. 

5. Rivers. —The Missouri, taken with the Mississippi, 
of which it isjthe proper head, has a course of 4500 or 
5000 miles, and is by far the longest river in the world. 
Its source, first explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805, is in 
the hights of the Rocky Mountains, only three-quarters of 
a mile from the source of the Columbia, which stretches 
westward and pours its waters into the Pacific. Three 
small rivers, Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison, unite in the 
mountains, and break through a rocky barrier for five 
miles ; the walls on either side being sometimes 1200 feet 
in bight. The convulsion which formed this path for the 
Missouri must have been terrible, as is evinced by the vast 
columns of rock torn from the mountains and hurled into 
the glen. Below this point, the river descends over rapids 
350 feet in the course of fifteen miles. The channel of 


Exercises on the Map (p. 122 ).—Boundaries of KehrashoJ 
Extent I Where does the Missouri rise ? What three rivers consti¬ 
tute its head-waters ? Which way does it flow ? Describe the fol¬ 
lowing rivers: Yellow Stooie; Teton ; White ; Running Water ; 


the Missouri is extremely winding, full of islands, sand¬ 
banks, bars, and shallows, and is constantly changing its 
bed by the undermining of its banks. The current is 
rapid, and the navigation is difficult. The lower parts, 
however, are continually navigated by steamboats ; and, in 
high water, these ascend as far up as the mouth of the 
Yellow Stone River. Its whole length, from its source to 
its junction with the Mississippi, is 3100 miles, including 
its windings. The Yellow Stone rises in the Wind River 
Mountain, a spur of the great Rocky Mountain chain. Its 
upper course is rapid, but for 300 miles above its junction 
with the Missouri, it is a gentle stream, flowing through a 
fertile and beautiful valley. It has been ascended the 
'whole of this distance by steamboats. There are many 
smaller streams rising in the Black Hills, and emptying into 
the Missouri. In this region is the South Pass, by which 
emigrants cross the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific coun¬ 
try. Here is a mountain ascended by Fremont, and now 
having his name. It is 13,570 feet high, and covered with 
perpetual snow. The Nebraska, or Platte River, rises in two 
forks near the Rocky Mountains, and pursues an easterly 
course to the Missouri. From Fort Laramie to the Mis¬ 
souri is a distance of 700 miles : an attempt made in 1842 
to descend the stream from this point, in boats, was baf¬ 
fled by shoals and sand-bars. 

6. Lakes.—There are several small lakes in this terri¬ 
tory, but none of great extent, 

7. Animals.—The great prairies of this territory are 
the resort of herds of the bison. Sometimes these consist 
of many thousands, stretching over the prairies as far as 
the eye can reach. When frightened by the hunters, the 
whole mass move forward in an irresistible current, filling 
the air with bellowing, and making the earth tremble with 
the shock of their march. If a hunter chances to be in¬ 
volved in this rushing mass, he and his horse are certain to 
be borne to the earth and trampled to death. On the 
flanks of these herds may be seen troops of prairie-wolves, 
watching to obtain a feast upon such buffaloes as chance 


Nebraska, or Platte; James; Scio. What mountains traverse the 
center of the territory ? Where is Sublette’s Lake ? Fremont’s 
Peak ? South Pass ? Where are the Rocky Mountains ? 

LESSON LX. 1. Characteristics of Nebraska ? 2. Mount- 






























































INDIAN TERRITORY. 


'1 

i 


I 



Four Bears, a celebrated Chief of the J\Iandans. 


to be wounded. Sometimes they encircle^ their victim 
and wait till he dies ; sometimes they attack him, and a 
fierce battle ensues. Several of the wolves are usually 
dispatched in such an encounter. The buffalo will often 
maintain a conflict until his tongue is torn out and his 
entrails are devoured by the assailants, or scattered around 
upon the earth. The Indian hunters make incessant war 
upon the bison for the sake of their flesh and their hides. 
Their attack is usually made on horseback, sometimes with 
rifles, and sometimes with bows and arrows. Elk and 
deer are also abundant in the prairies. Small flocks of the 
light-footed antelope are found near the Rocky Mountains. 
Here, also, is the grizzly bear, peculiar to these western 
regions, and the most formidable beast of prey on the 
western continent. On the mountains are flocks of wild 
goats and sheep, which, with the other quadrupeds just 
mentioned, are indigenous to this country. The waters 
in many parts are teeming with wild-fowl, including the 
goose, swan, and pelican. Upon the plains, the mag¬ 
pie, closely resembling that of Europe, is found, being met 
with in no other part of America. 

8. Iiihabilants.— This whole territory is in possession 
of the Indians, excepting that a few hunters connected 
with the fur companies have forts or stations here. There 
are also some parties of white men who follow hunting and 
trapping as a profession, and are frequently absent from 
civilized society for a number of years at a time. J^ort 


ainsl 3. Prairies? 4. Desert? 5. Rivers? 6. Lakes? 7. Ani¬ 
mals? 8. Inhabitants? 9. Historxj? 

Bxerciscs on the Map (p. 122 ).—Boundaries of the Indian 


125 

Laramie is a United States post near the mountain ranges 
of the Black Hills. The most prominent of the Indian 
tribes here, are the Pawnees, in the southeast corner of 
the territory, occupying both sides of the Nebraska; the 
Puncas and Omahas, to the north, on the Missouri; the 
Kites, near the sources of the White River; the Shiennes, 
on the Shienne River ; the Riccarees, Minnetarees, and 
Assinihoines, to the north, on the Missouri; the Crows and 
Blackfeet occupying the northwestern corner of the terri¬ 
tory. The interesting tribe of the Mandans is now extinct. 
Most of the Indians we have just mentioned maintain their 
original savage habits, modified by the use of horses, rifles, 
steel knives, and blankets, which they have adopted from 
the whites. They have villages, which they occupy in 
summer, sometimes cultivating Indian corn and a few 
v'egetables. In the autumn, they move from place to 
place for the purpose of hunting, striking their tents for a | 

few days, or a few weeks, as may be convenient. They j 

live chiefly by hunting, and have frequent bloody conflicts 
with rival tribes. 

9. History. —This territory is part of the Louisiana 
purchase. It has remained in possession of tlje Indians, 
only a portion of it having been explored by the whites. 

The southern portion is called Nebraska, on account of its 
lying in the valley of that river. 

Lesson LX I... Indian Territory. 

1. Characteristics. —This vast tract is set apart by 

the United States as the perpianent home of certain Indian 
tribes and nations, who have been removed hither by the 
General Government. | 

2. Moimtaiiis. —The southwestern corner of this tract i 
is traversed by the Ozark range. From this point west- I 
ward, the country presents a series of slightly undulating 1 
plains, gradually ascending toward the Rocky Mountains, j 
where they have an elevation of four or five thousand feet. 

At the western boundary of Nebraska they rise to the | 
elevation of 12,000 feet. 

3. Prairies. —The eastern part of the territory consists 
of fertile prairies, the rivers being skirted by forests. 

4. Desert. —An immense tract, called the Great Amer¬ 

ican Desert, extends along the eastern part of the Rocky 
Mountains, from the Missouri Territory'to Texas, a length 
of nearly 600 miles. Its width varies from one to two hun¬ 
dred miles. The soil of this is arid, sterile sand, almost | 
destitute of trees, and even shrubs. Vast tracts consist of i 
bare rocks, gravel, or sand, presenting a few cactuses, I 
grape-vines, and other plants. Nearly the whole region is | 
either destitute of water a part of the year, or presents the j 
exhausted traveler only a brackish and bitter draught. | 
Many parts are whitened by saline efflorescence. It is un- j 
susceptible of cultivation, yet in the rainy season it is trav- ! 
ersed by full streams, and there are occasional patches j 
which afford pasturage for herds of bison, droves of wild j 
horses, and other animals. These spots are the resort of I 
the Indians in pursuit of game. ‘ 

5. Kivers. —^I'he Indian Territory is bountifully sup- j 
plied with water for navigation and irrigation, and espe- ' 
cially is this the case in the central and eastern districts. 

The Kanzas is a large stream rising in three forks, and 
crosses the state of Missouri to the Mississippi. The 
Arkansas rises in the Rocky Mountains, near" the head 

Terrttorij ? Extent ? Describe the following rivers : Republican 
Fork; Kamas; Arkansas; Canadian. What desert is partly in 
this territory ? 

































126 


INDIAN TERRITORY. 



Indians removing-, carrying their Tent-poles, Parniture, (J-c. 


waters of the Rio Grande,,and the Rio Colorado of the 
West. It formed the northern boundary of New Mexico 
bef>re the adjustment of 1850. It affords few facilities 
for navigation, being generally shallow, and in some parts 
entirely disappearing during the dry season. Steamboats 
ascend it from the Mississippi to Fort Gibson, a few miles 
west of the Arkansas boundary. From the north, this 
river receives several small streams ; from the south, the prin¬ 
cipal tributary is the Canadian, 1000 miles in length. The 
Red River rises in New Mexico, and, flowing eastward, fonns 
part of the southern boundary of this territory; and cross¬ 
ing Louisiana, empties into the Mississippi. 

6. Animals. —Herds of bison, troops of wild horses, 
elk, deer, wolves, grizzly bears, with an abundance of smaller 
quadrupeds, grouse, and sea-fowl, are found in this region. 
The wild horses are caught by the savages in great num¬ 
bers, and trained to hunting. This animal, so docile in a 
domestic state, is one of the most timid and watchful of the 
brute creation in his wild condition. He is taken with the 
lasso, and sometimes by a process called creasing, Avhich 
consists in sending a rifle bullet through a particular part 
of the neck, which produces a temporary paralysis. The 
horses of the west, and especially on the prairies, are sub¬ 
ject to a kind of panic called stamjjede. Under its influ¬ 
ence, the horses of a whole tribe or traveling party break 
through every restraint, and, in a phrensy of affright, gallop 
awa}^ often sinking down and dyiiig from fatigue or terror. 
Cattle are sometimes affected in a similar way. This is 
probably a lingering trait of the wild habits of these 
animals. 

7. Soil and Climate. —This territory maybe divided 
into two sections. The loestern, about 300 miles in width, 
is mostly a desert, interspersed, however, with plains, or 
prairies, which give pasturage to the bison and wild horse. 
The eastern portion, about twm hundred miles wide, and 
five hundred long, is a fine country, containing prairies, 
crossed by river valleys of great fertility, and abounding in 
forests. These are thronged with deer and smaller game, 
being a kind of paradise to the Indian hunter. The southern 
portion has a climate so mild, that domestic animals find 
support through the winter without the care of their owmers. 
A small portion of the surface is occupied by mountains and 
flat hills. The rest is fit for cultivation, and will yield every 
variety of grain and vegetable common to the more eastern 



tVounded ISuffmo and IVoives. 


territories in the same latitude. The country is admirably 
adapted to the raising of stock. 

8. InliabifaHfs. —The inhabitants of this territory are 
Indians, most of whom have been removed hither from dif¬ 
ferent parts of the United States. -The Chicleasau's and 
Choctaws w'ere kindred tribes, in the north of Mississippi 
and Alabama. They were removed a few years since, and 
are now blended together. They are in the southeastern 
part of the territory, and are in a good degree civilized. 
They have framed houses, well-fenced fields, raise Indian 
corn and cotton, have grist and saw mills, and have large 
stocks of horses, cattle, sheep, and swin^. They have a 
w'ritten constitution, and a regular government. They re- 
^leive an annuity from the United States, and missionaries 
are planted among them. The Creeks, removed from 
Georgia, are in a fertile district further north, where they 
have some towns, productive gardens, orchards, and well- 
tilled fields. They produce Indian corn and garden vege¬ 
tables, with which they supply the garrison at Fort Gibson. 
They have a regular government, and there are missionaries 
among them. The Seminoles, from Florida, w'ere originally 
of the Creek nation, and, speaking the same language, are 
located with them. Though averse to labor, they have 
made some progress. Northeast of the Cieeks are the 
Cherokees, from Georgia. They are much further advanced 
in civilization than any other of the tribes. They have a 
fine country, good houses, fine farms, large stocks of cattle, 
manufactures of salt, wool, cotton, and iron, a printing 
press, &c. They have a regular government, and standing 
laws, with courts, sheriffs, and all the machinery necessary 
to their execution. These, as well as the other stationary 
tribes, receive an annuity from the United States. Further 
north are the Osages, Shaivnees, Kanzas, Delawares, Kkk- 
apoos, and Otoes, To the west are the Sioux and Arrapa- 
hoes. Some of these have come hither from their original 
seats in the east, and others are indigenous to the country. 
For the most part, they maintain their wild habits, slightly 
modified by,the use of the horse, the nfle, and steel cut¬ 
lery. They have some superstition, but little religion. 
Their burial-grounds often consist of spaces marked by cir¬ 
cles of skulls. The bodies are placed upon raised platforms, 
where they are left to decay. Their chief occupation is 
hunting. Some of them have fixed villages for the summer, 
and roam about with their tents, in pursuit of game, during 


LESSON LXI. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Prai¬ 

ries? ^.Desert? 5. Rivers? G.Atiitnals? What of creasing? 


What of the stampede? 7. Soil and climate? 8. Inhabitants? 
Name the various tribes. 9. History ? 

































































TERRITORY OF NEW MEXICO. 


127 



Indian Burial-ground. 


Indian Dance to thank the Great Spirit for Green Com. 



the fall and winter. The whole population within this ter¬ 
ritory is supposed to be from seventy to one hundred 
thousand. 

9. History. —This territory was part of the Louisiana 
purchase, and, within the last twenty years, has become 
the home of the Indian tribes removed from their several 
places of abode in the eastern sections of the United States. 
The fixed tribes receive annuities from the United States, 
and are supplied by them with blacksmiths, and other 
necessary artisans. Missionaries are also established among 
them. The design of the government has been to remove 
these Indians from corrupting and destructive contact with 
the whites, and, by placing them in favorable circum¬ 
stances, gradually to Christianize and civilize them. This 
policy has been attended with promising and hopeful suc¬ 
cess. 

Lesson LXIL. .Territory of New Mexico. 

1. Characteristics. —This territory was formerly a 
state or department of Mexico, but has been recently or¬ 
ganized as a territory by the United States. 

2. Mountains. — The Anahuac Range, stretching 
northward from the Mexican Cordilleras, passes through 
the center of this territory. About two hundred miles 
further east is the Rocky Mountain Range, bearing differ¬ 
ent names at different points. South of Santa Fe it rises 
to the hight of seven or eight thousand feet, while to the 
north it attains an elevation of 12,000, The Spanish 
Peaks are even more elevated, and are covered with per¬ 
petual snow. 

3. Valley. —The valley of the Rio del Norte is about 
tw'enty miles wide below Santa F6, being bordered east 
and west by the mountain chains. The soil is sandy, dry, 
and requires irrigation. 

4. Rivers. —The chief river of this country is the Rio 
Grande del Norte, or Great River of the North. In com¬ 
mon speech, it is called Rio Grande. It takes its rise in 
that part of the Rocky Mountains called the Green Mount¬ 
ains. It flows southward, and enters the Gulf, forming, in 
the lower part of its course, the boundary between Mexico 

Sxercises on the Map (p. 122). — Boundaries of New Mex¬ 
ico ? Extent ? Population ? Describe the Puerco River. Rio j 
Grande. What mountains cross this territory from, north to south ? 
What mountains at the north? What in the west? Capital of j 


and the United States. The whole length of this river, 
including its windings, is 2000 miles. Its source is in the 
perpetual glaciers of the north, while its mouth nearly 
reaches the tropical regions. Its descent is great, and the 
upper part of its course rapid. It is here useful for irri¬ 
gation, but is unfit for navigation. It is supposed that, by 
slight improvements, steamboats may ascend 700 miles to 
the Spanish town of Loredo. The Puerco is a large 
tributary of the Rio Grande, rising in the Rocky Mount¬ 
ains. The Gila flows west into the Gulf of California. 

5. L.akes. —About 100 miles southeast of Santa Fe, 
on the high table-land east of the Rio Grande, are several 
salt lakes, which furnish the country with salt. Large 
caravans come for this article from Santa Fe during the 
dry season. 

6. Animals. —Buffaloes, wild horses, and deer are 
found on the table-lands east of the Rocky Mountains. 
The deer, bear, grizzly bear, panther, and wolf are found in 
the mountain regions. 

7. Minerals. —This country is rich in gold, copper, 
iron, silver, coal, gypsum, selenite, and salt. There are no 
mines extensively wrought. Gold and copper are obtained 
to some extent. The selenite is used instead of window- 
glass, Considerable gold has been obtained from this 
country in former times, and there is little doubt that fur¬ 
ther examination will disclose rich mines of this precious 
metal. 

8. Climate. —The higher mountains are covered with 
perpetual snow; the winters, at the north, are long and 
severe. At Santa Fe, ice and snow are common, but the 
Rio Grande is never frozen sufficiently for the passage of 
horses. The sky is generally clear, and the atmosphere 
dry, except during the rainy season from July to October. 
The country is generally very healthy. 

9. Soil. —The valley of the Rio Grande is sandy, but 
produces two crops in a year. Its dryness makes it neces¬ 
sary to employ irrigation, A large portion of the surface 
of the territory is occupied by mountains and ridges, leav¬ 
ing the valleys and table-lands only for cultivation. 

10. Face of tlie Country* —The general aspect of 
New Mexico is that of a region of mountains of various 
elevations, inclosing the valley of the Rio Grande. There 

New Mexico ? Where is Albuquerque ? Great American Desert ? 

LIjSSON LXII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 
3. Valleys? ^.Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Animals? 1. Minerals? 
8. Climate ? 9. Soil ? 10. Face of the country ? 11. Agri- 



















































128 


TERRITORY OF NEW MEXICO. 



Camanchea catching tyUd JUoraea with the I^asso, 

are some smaller valleys along the lesser streams, and a 
few spaces of elevated table-land. East of the mountains 
there are high prairies and plains, and a portion of the 
Great American Desert. The southern part of California, 
attached to this territory in 1850, has been very little 
explored. 

11. Agriculture and Manufactures.— Agricul¬ 
ture is carried on in a primitive way, mostly by the hoe, 
and a rough plow entirely of wood. Irrigation, rendered 
necessary by the dryness of the soil and climate, is effected 
by damming the streams, and conducting the water into 

r ditches which intersect and surround the cultivated land. 
This Avork is performed by the inhabitants of towns and 
villages, Avho unite for the purpose, and allot to the several 
proprietors their portion of the water. The fields are 
without fences, the flocks being attended by herdsmen. 
The haciendas are large estates held by rich proprietors, 
who employ a great number of persons kept in a state of 
servitude, called ■peonage. Large flocks of horses, mules, 
cattle, sheep, and goats, of diminutive but prolific breeds, 
are raised. These are frequently stolen by the prowling 
Indians. There are immense tracts of unoccupied land, 
too arid or mountainous for cultivation, but excellent for 
the raising of stock. Indian corn is the principal grain; 
wheat and garden vegetables are extensively produced ; 
vineyards thrive in some parts. There are considerable 
domestic manufactures. 

12. Political l>ivi»<ioii§. —New Mexico is divided 
into counties as follows: 


Counties. Pop. in 1850. 

Bcnialillo. 7.751 

Rio Ariba. 10.6GS 

Santa Anna. 4,r>45 

Santa F6. 7,713 


Counties. Pop. in 1850. 

Sjin .Miguel.. 7,074 

Taos. 9,507 

Valencia. 14,147 


Seven-eighths of the inhabitants are Indians, with some 
creoles, or mestizoes; a few are native Spaniards; and 
there is a considerable number of Americans. The In¬ 
dians are called Pueblos., or Village Indians, to distinguish 
them from the wild tribes. They live in isolated vil¬ 
lages, eultivate the soil, and raise some stock. They 
are poor, frugal, and sober, with the sad and ruminating 
aspect that marks the race. Their villages are built 
with regularity. In some cases, a single large house, 
with several stories, serves for a whole village. Their 
doors are in the roofs, and are reached by ladders 

culture and Manufactures? What is veonage ? 12. Political 



drawn up at night. The bow, arrow, and lance, and 
sometimes a gun, constitute their weapons. The more 
civilized inhabitants resemble the Mexicans. The higher 
classes adopt American fashions. Females wear the 
reboso, which is a small shawl, coquettishly worn upon 
the head. Both sexes indulge in the cigarito, the siesta 
after dinner, the game of monte, and the fandango. To' 
the northeast are the Camanches, extending into Texas. 
They are a wild, predatory race, having swift horses, and 
often making incursions into the neighboring regions for 
.plunder. 

13. Towns. ASanta Ae, "the capital, is about twelve 
miles east of the Rio Grande, including the adjacent vil¬ 
lages. It contains nearly 7000 inhabitants. It has long 
been noted as the depot of the trading caravans, which 
have been accustomed to depart from Mis.souri, cross 
the Indian Territory, and traverse the Great American 
Desert. These caravans sometimes consist of two or 
three hundred persons. They use horses and mules, but 
it is proposed to' employ camels, as they can subsist a 
long time without water, which is scarce in the desert. 
The other towns are small. Albuquerque, Valverde, and 
Paso del Norte, are the principal; .the latter being in 
a region noted for its vineyards. 

14. Antiquities.— Near the salt lakes already de¬ 
scribed are the ruins of an ancient Spanish mining town, 
probably built on the site of a still more ancient Indian 
city. It is supposed to have been destroyed in 1680, but 
its history is involved in mystery. 

15. History. — This region Avas discovered by some 
Spanish adventurers in 1581. In 1594 the country was 
colonised, and the Indians were conquered and reduced to 
slavery. ToAvns Avere built, and rich mines Avrought; but 
in 1680 the Indians united, and in a general insurrection, 
drove the Spaniards from the country. A war of ten 
years ensued, Avhen the Spanish ascendency Avas recovered. 
The country continued under the Spanish dominion till the 
independence of Mexico, in 1821. Of this it became a 
state, or department, under the title of Noav Mexico, until 
it Avas taken by a small American force under General 
Kearney, August 18, 1846. In the peace between the 
United States and Mexico, in 1848, it was confirmed to the 
former. In 1850, it received a territorial government. 

Divisions? 13. Towns? 14. Antiquities? 15. History? 


































































THE PACIFIC REGION. 


129 



Extent of California, 188,981 square miles—Population, 165,000.? 
Extent of Utah, 187,921 “ —Population, 11,154. 

Extent of Oregon, §41,463 “ —Population, 11,293. 


Lesson LXIII... The Pacific Region. 

1. Characteristics. —To the four divisions of the 
United States, called Eastern, Middle, Southern, and 
Western, we now add a fifth division, called the Pacific 
Region, which lies between the Rocky Mountains and the 
Pacific Ocean. 

2. Mountains. —The RocJcy Mountains, broken into 

Exercises on Map of the Pacific Region .—Boundaries of 
the State of California Extent ? Population ? What mountain 
ranges extend north and south through this state ? Boundaries of 
Utah? Extent? Population? What great lake in the north? 

17 


various ranges, extend along the western borders of this 
territory. The Sierra Nevada range, passing under different 
names, extends along the coast, at a distance of one to two 
hundred miles. 

3. Talleys, Deserts, dee. —The Pacific region greatly 
resembles some portions of Asia. We have here a Great 
Salt Lake, resembling the Caspian ; elevated table-lands, 
surrounded by mountains, like those of Tartary ; and plains 

What mountains near the center? Describe the Colorado; the 
Gila. Boundaries of Oregon ? Extent ? Population ? Where are 
the Cascade Mountains ? Blue Mountains ? Where is Mount St 
Helens ? Describe the Columbia River. 
























































1 


THE PACIFIC REGION. 


130 

and deserts broken by mountain ridges, like those of Per¬ 
sia. There are three extensive valleys ; the Great Basin, 
in the center ; the Valley of the Colorado, at the south ; 
and the Valley of the Columbia, at the north. There are 
many smaller ones, among which is that of the Sacramento 
and San Joaquin, 500 miles in length. In general, there 
is a striking aspect of irregularity, contrast, and grandeur 
about the Pacific slope. It embraces the loftiest mountain 
peaks in the United States, their tops crowned with perpetual 
snow, looking down upon deserts scorched by the summer 
sun ; volcanic fires bursting from cones of eternal ice ; val¬ 
leys of unbounded fertility, and large spaces of desolate 
rock, gravel, or sand ; mighty rivers of fresh water finding 
their way to the ocean ; salt lakes imprisoned between 
rocky, barren, and impassable wastes; with ridges of ever¬ 
lasting sterility, yet sparkling with gold, quicksilver, and 
other minerals. A most interesting feature of the country 
is, that it has a coast of 1000 miles on the Pacific, and thus 
opens to our commerce the boundless shores of that great 
Ocean. 

4. Rivers. —The Colorado and Columbia, each about 
1500 miles long, are the great streams of this region. 

5. Divisions. —The Pacific region includes the Ter¬ 
ritories of Utah and Oregon and the State of California. 

C. Inhabitants. —The whole white population of this 
region, probably, does not exceed 250,000. There is a 
great number of Indian tribes •scattered over the territory, 
most of them in a savage state. Their population is, prob¬ 
ably, much less than that of the whites. 

V. History. —Utah and California constitute the greater 
part of what the Spaniards called Alta or Upper Califor¬ 
nia, and which came to the United States during the late 
Mexican war. Oregon was claimed by us as part of the 
Louisiana purchase ; but our right to it rested also upon the 
grounds of previous discovery. 

Lesson LXIV.. Territory of Utah. 

1. Cliarncteristics. —This territory was formerly a 
part of California, and has been lately settled by the Mor¬ 
mons. 

2. Mountains. —The Rocky Mountains bound this 
territory on the northern part of the eastern line, separating 
it from Nebraska territory ; and the Sierra Nevada mount¬ 
ains separate it from the state of California on the north¬ 
ern part of the western line. These mountains are here 
of sufficient elevation to be perpetually crowned with snow. 
Two ranges of mountains cross this territory in a north¬ 
easterly and southwesterly direction, but they are little 
known. The eastern range is called Wahsatch River 
Mountains, and the western Humboldt River Mountains: 

3. Valley. —A remarkable feature of this territory is 
a vast extent of country called the Great Basin. It con¬ 
sists of an elevated valley, nearly 2000 miles in circuit. 
The southern portion of it is a dry, sandy desert, thinly in¬ 
habited by savages. It has never been explored or fully 
described by any traveler. It is 4000 or 5000 feet above the 
level of the sea, and shut in by mountains on all sides. The 
Wahsatch and Humboldt mountains cross it in two ranges, 
attaining an elevation of 5000 feet above the level of the coun¬ 
try. Their lower sides are covered with forests. Numerous 


LESSON LXIII. 1. Characteristics? 2.M<mrUains? 3. Val¬ 
leys and Deserts ? 4. Rivers ? 5. Divisions ? 6. Inhabitants ? 

1. History? 


small streams have their origin in the mountains around 
and within the basin, which descend and are lost in the 
desert, or received into small lakes. There are also in 
this wide valley some spots capable of cultivation. To the 
east and north around the Great Salt Lake is a territory of 
great beauty and fertility ; to the west it is more sterile. 

4. Rivers. —The cliief river in this region is the Rio 
Colorado, which rises in Oregon among the Rocky Mount¬ 
ains, bearing the name of the Green river till its union with 
the Jaquesila, where the combined streams take the name 
of Colorado. The thirty-seventh parallel of north latitude 
forms the southern boundary of the territory. 

5. Dakes. —The Great Salt Lake is a remarkable fea¬ 
ture of this region. Its shape is irregular, and it incloses 
numerous islands. It is supposed to be about 70 miles 
in length. It is intensely salt, and so shallow as to afford 
small facilities for navigation. The western shore consists 
of level plains of deep soft mud, traversed by rills of salt 
and sulphur Avater.- These plains are (lestitute of vegeta¬ 
tion, except small shrubs, Avhich are covered with particles 
of salt, shining in fbe sun ; curious optical illusions are 
here presented, arising from mirage, which distorts objects 
in a most grotesque manner. Fresh water and grass are 
here to be seen only once in the space of 100 miles. In 
one place is a field of solid salt, incrusted upon the mud, 
so as to bear up mules, like ice. The lake has no outlet. 
The Utah River, or Jordan, as the Mormons call it, is a small 
stream connecting Utah Lake with the Great Salt Lake. 
Utah Lake is of fresh Avater, 35 miles long, and receives 
numerous bold fresh-Avater streams from the mountains, 
though a large formation of rock-salt is found imbedded 
in clay on its southeastern borders. These lakes are about 
4000 feet above the lev^el of the sea, and drain an area of 
12,000 square miles. A great part of the region around the 
lakes in dry seasons is incrusted with salt. Utah Lake, as 
well as the streams that flow into it, abound in fish, Avhich 
furnish a large part of the food of the Utah Indians. It ap¬ 
pears that there are numerous small lakes scattered over the 
territory of Utah, but Ave have no exact account of them. 

6. Vegetable Products. —We are too little acquainted 
with this region to give a particular account of its vege¬ 
table productions. In general, they are similar to those 
of the eastern country in the same latitudes. 

7. Animals. —It is understood that there is abundance 
of game in this country, consisting of deer, bears, and smaller 
quadrupeds, Avith numerous water-fowl. 

8. Climate. —We haA'e no accurate report of the cli¬ 
mate over the whole of this territory. In the region of the 
Great Lake, the winters are long and severe. In lat. 40° 
it is colder th,an at Philadelphia. The winter begins in 
November ; snow falls upon the plains to the depth of seve¬ 
ral inches as late as March. In the mountainous regions, 
a little further north, snow accumulates to the depth of 
fifty feet during the winter ! 

9. Face of tbe Country.— This presents three re¬ 
gions ; first, the Great Basin already described, containing 
a desert of burning sand, snow-capped mountains belted 
with verdure at the base, and a few fertile spots flank¬ 
ing the rivers; second, the high broken table-lands, and 
mountainous ridges in the center; and, third, the great 


LESSON LXIV. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains? 3. Val¬ 
leys? 4. Rivtrs? 5. Lakes? What of the Great Salt Lake? 
Utah Lake? 6. Vegetable products? 7. Animals? 8. Climate? 











STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 


131 


I 


valley of the streams which form the Colorado. The 
extreme southern part of the territory is a rugged 
plain. 

10. Political Divisions. —Utah is divided into 
counties, as follows: 


Pounties. Pop. in 1850. 

Davis. 1,134 

i; real Salt Lake. 6,157 

Iron. 360 

San Pete. 365 


Counties. 

Toole.. 
Utah .. 
Weber 


Pop. in 1860. 

. 152 

.2,000 

. 1,186 


11. Inlial>itants.—This territory is inhabited by small 
bands of Indians, most of whom obtain a poor subsistence 
by hunting and fishing. The chief tribe is that of the 
Utahs in the northeast, who have given name to the terri¬ 
tory. The white inhabitants consist chiefly of the Mor¬ 
mons, who removed hither in 1848. This sect had its ori¬ 
gin in 1830, in one Joe Smith, of Palmyra, New York. He 
pretended to have found some gold plates with inscrip¬ 
tions, which he translated by miraculous aid. Thus was 
produced the Book of Mormon, which is the Bible of the 
sect. They built a temple at Kirtland, in Ohio, but re¬ 
moved to Michigan, afterwards to Missouri, and then to 
Illinois, being driven from these places by the inhabitants. 
In the latter state they had a city called Nauvoo, with a 
temple of immense extent, and a population of 10,000 peo¬ 
ple, gathered from Europe and America. Being persecuted 
here, they set out for Oregon and California ; but being 
attracted by the country around the Great Lake, they 
settled there, and in 1850 numbered nearly 12,000. They 
are building a city, twelve miles in circumference, between 
the two lakes. They are erecting a vast temple of stone. 
The houses are of brick. This place has already 6,000 
inhabitants. There are several settlements along the river 
Jordan. They have commenced agriculture, and raise 75 
bushels of wheat to the acre. Potatoes and the smaller 
grains flourish ; but the climate is too cold for Indian corn. 
There is little rain, and irrigation is required. They have 
numerous flour and saw mills in operation, wrought by 
the mountain streams. In some places there is plenty 
of choice timber. The climate is extremely healthy. In 
1850, Congress erected the territory into a separate gov¬ 
ernment. All sects are tolerated. They are said to 
be a moral, industrious, and thriving people. The sect is 
supposed to number 100,000, in different parts of America 
and Europe; and as the city of the Great Salt Lake is the 
Jerusalem, «or Mecca, of the entire body, it is likely to be 
rapidly increased by the emigj'ation of its members hither. 
The route from the Western States to Oregon and Cali¬ 
fornia, by way of the South Pass, runs about 60 miles north 
of the Mormon city ; but a route can be taken which leads 
somewhat nearer to that place. The people supply fresh 
mules, oxen, and provisions to the emigrants. The road 
from Independence to the western side of the Rocky Mount¬ 
ains is good, and immense numbers have passed over it. 
The large parties of emigrants usually travel about 15 
miles a day. For 500 miles along the prairie country, buf¬ 
falo meat can be obtained in abundance. The Mormons 
have established ferries over the Platte and Green rivers. 

12. History.—The territory of Utah formed a part of 
Upper California, which came into our possession during 
the late war with Mexico. At first it was called Deseret, 
but this name was changed for Utah. The territorial gov¬ 
ernment was established in 1850. 


Lesson LXV... State of California. 

1. Characteristics. —This is4i new state, lying on the 
Pacific Ocean, and is celebrated for its gold mines. 

2. Mouutaiiis. —The great mountain feature of this 
region is the Sierra Nevada, signifying Snowy Mountains, 
their tops being always crowned with snow. It consists of 
several nearly parallel ridges, and forms part of the great 
chain which rises in the peninsula of California, and extends 
along the coast to Russian America—a distance of 3000 
miles. It is remarkable for its length, its proximity and 
parallelism to the sea-coast, its great elevation—often more 
lofty than the Rocky Mountains—and its many volcanic 
peaks reaching into the region of perpetual snow. Ris¬ 
ing singly, like pyramids from heavily timbered plateaux, 
to the hight of from fourteen to seventeen thousand feet 
above the sea, it has a character distinguished from 
every other portion of the United States. The range in 
this quarter being about 150 miles from the ocean, receives 
the warm winds charged with vapor, which, sweeping 
across the Pacific Ocean, precipitate their accumulated 
moisture in fertilizing rains and snows upon its western 
flank, and leave cold and dry winds to pass on to the east. 
Hence the characteristic differences of the two regions—• 
mildness, fertility, and a superb vegetable kingdom on the 
western side, with comparative barrenness and cold on the 
eastern. 

3. Valleys. —The country through which the Sacra¬ 
mento and San Joaquin flow, may be considered as one 
valley, 500 miles long, and from twenty to sixty wide. The 
Sacramento Valley is divided into Upper and Lower. This 
division is strongly marked. The upper valley is 100 miles 
long, heavily timbered, and, rising 1000 feet above the lower 
valley, has a cold climate. It contains strips of arable land, 
and is deemed capable of settlement. At the head of the 
lower valley is Shaste Peak, rising, at the forks of the river, 
to the hight of 14,000 feet, its summit glittering with snow, 
and visible, down the valley, a distance of 140 miles. The 
river here descends, in rapids, 2000 feet in twen^ miles. 
The lower valley consists of rolling land rising gramially at 
the mountain bases. In this valley the principal settle¬ 
ments have been made, and here is the great center of 
the gold region. The Valley of the San Joaquin is about 
250 miles long, and sixty broad. It presents a vaHety 
of soil, the eastern side being exceedingly fertile, and well- 
wooded with oaks and other trees. Here are many spots 
highly attractive for their rich soil and scenic beauty. 

4. Rivers.—The chief rivers of this state are the Sacra¬ 
mento and the San Joaquin. The former rises jn the 
mountainous region of the north, and flows southward 
three hundred miles. The latter rises in the mountains 
of the south, and flows northward about the same dis¬ 
tance, where it meets the Sacramento, and they enter the 
Bay of Suisun together. They receive numerous streams 
from the mountains, some of which are navigable for a 
short distance. The principal tributaries of the Sacra¬ 
mento are as follows:—The American River, with its 
several forks, entering above Sacramento City ; Feather 
River, of which the Bear and Yuba are branches; and the 
Butte, Chico, Deer, Mill, and Antelope. All these enter 
the Sacramento from the east. The Cosumnes, Moke- 
lumnes, Calaberas, Stanislaus, Tuolumnes, and Mariposa 
enter the San Joaquin from the east. 


9 . Face uf the country 7 10 . Population 7 11 . Inhabitants 7 12 . History 7 


LESSON LXV. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. Val 





































132 


STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 



^ 5 ^ 


Scene in the Gold Diggings, on the Yuba River. 


5. Liakes.—There are numerous small lakes, some of 
which disappear during the dry season. The Tule Lakes, 
receiving the sources of the San Joaquin, appear to be the 
most considerable. The Gold Lake, spoken of as the site 
of rich gold mines, is rather the dry bed of a former lake 
than one existing at present. 

6. Bays, Harbors, Sliorcs, &c.— This state extends 
along the Pacific coast, a distance of nearly 600 miles— 
Conception at the south, and Mendocino at the north, are the 
two principal capes. Near the southern shore is the small 
group of the Santa, Barbara Lslands. The of Sa,n Fran- 
cisco'\& thirty-five miles wide, and seventy long. Its entrance 
is between a gap in the mountains, which come down in bold 
precipices to the shore. It is divided by straits and pro¬ 
jecting points into three parts, the two northern being 
called San Pablo and Suisur^ Bays. On entering, it seems 
like a lake of deep water, extending north and south be¬ 
tween parallel ranges of mountains. A few elevated rocky 
islands diversify its surface. Immediately around the shores 
are rolling lands, broken by hills, and spotted with wooded 
ranges. Behind this space are the mountain peaks, some 
of them rising to the hight of 4000 feet. At the south¬ 
ern point is San Jose, the ancient capital. On a head¬ 
land projecting eastward, on the southern^ side of the 
entrance to the bay, is the city of San Francisco. Its 
harbor is one of the finest in the world—capable of receiv- 
itig the navy of an empire. Taken in connection with the 
fertile and beautiful bay around, and the boundless Pacific, 
it is one of the most important and interesting commercial 
points in the world. The other principal bay on this coast 
is that of Monterey. 


leys? 4 Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Bays? 7. Vegetable Products? 


' 7 . Vegetable Products.— These appearto be greatly 
diversified. In the valley of the Sacramento and the Joa¬ 
quin there are forests of oak and other deciduous trees. 
Cypress and other evergreens are described as existing in 
various parts. It appears that the country naturally yields 
the products common to this latitude in the more eastern 
portions of the United States. 

8. Animals. —Bears, deer, and panthers are mentioned 
as belonging to this country. There is a great variety of 
water-fowl alonof the coast. 

9. Minerals.— California is chiefly renowned for its 
mineral treasures. The gold region is on the eastern side 
of the valley of the Sacramento. The gold was first dis¬ 
covered here by a mechanic, named James W. Marshall, in 
1848. This led to an examination by several Mormon 
laborers, and the result was a discovery of grains of .gold 
in the soil, resembling, in form, the small scales of fishes. 
The story was rapidly spread over Europe and America, 
and vast numbers i-ushed to the spot. San Francisco Avas 
suddenly swelled to a large town, and the mountain slopes 
and ravines along the Sacramento valley were thronged Avith 
thousands of eager diggers in the soil. Not only grains of 
the precious metal were discovered, but pieces of all sizes, | 
either pure or blent Avith quartz, sometimes Aveighing six or 
eight pounds, and A'alued at seA^eral thousand dollars. Ves- j 
sels and steamboats croAvded up the rivers, tents Avere [ 
pitched, villages and toAvns sprung up, and the whole | 
country around became the theater of intense excitement 
and activity. Further explorations took place; gold Avas 
found in other localities, leading to the belief that jt exists 
abundantly in various places along the Sierra Nevada, from ' 

S. Animals? Minerals? 2.0. Climate? 2.2.. Soil ? 2.2. Agrt- 


T 





































































STATE OF CALIFORNIA. 133 


the Rio Gila to the Columbia. We even hear of a gold 
• lake and a gold motmtain, and the stories told of them are 
not mere fictions. Quicksilver mines have also been dis¬ 
covered, and are now actively wrought. Iron is known to 
exist, and it is probable that we have only begun to com¬ 
prehend the mineral resources of this wonderful region. It 
is supposed that the annual product of the gold mines will 
fall little short of forty or fifty millions of dollars! 

10. Climate. —Summer and winter, in our sense of the 
terms, are hardly applicable to this country. The seasons 
are not marked as hot and cold, but as wet and dry. The 
dry season comprises what we call summer, and the wet 
season what we call winter. In the southern parts, the 
drought renders irrigation necessary. This, however, ena¬ 
bles the farmer to produce a succession of crops through¬ 
out the year. During the dry or summer months, vegeta¬ 
tion is parched ; during the wet or winter months, it re¬ 
vives. In sheltered valleys, the trees and grass retain their 
verdure, and the flowers are in bloom throughout the year. 
The nights are cool, even when the days are hot. An even 
mildness of temperature characterizes the climate, though 
heavy snows fall in the highlands of the north. It is very 
healthy, without prevailing diseases. In all its physical as¬ 
pects, California bears a resemblance to Italy. 

11. Soil. —This is greatly diversified, the mountain 

peaks being rugged and rocky. Their lower slopes are 
generally of a light soil, and susceptible of cultivation. The 
narrow valleys present every variety, from moderate to ex¬ 
treme richness of soil. * 

12. AgricMiture. —There are some farms occupied by 
the old Spanish settlers. These have been chiefly devoted 
to the raising of stock. Cattle and horses were formerly so 
abundant as to be killed for their hides. Some of the 
recent settlers have devoted themselves to agriculture. The 
people are, however, obliged to depend chiefly upon sup¬ 
plies sent from the Dnited States, Grain is largely shipped 
from Chili, and some other places along the western coast. 

13. Mining. —The absorbing occupation is that of 
mining. The gold is dug with rockers, pickaxes, hoes, 
spades, knives, iron bars, Ac. Steam-engines are at work, 
rivers are turned from their beds, and mountains perforated 
through their bowels. The dust is obtained by washing or 
sifting the sands. The coarse pieces are taken from the crev¬ 
ices of rocks, in the dry beds of torrents, and the strata of 
slate standing vertically in the streams. It is found along the 
Sacramento and its tributaries—the Feather, Bear, Yuba, 
&c. ; along the San Joaquin and its tributaries—the Cosum- 
nes^and Stanislaus. It has been found at Bodega, on the 
sea-coast, and further south, at various places in the mount¬ 
ains, to the Gila. It has also been discovered further north 
—even in Oregon. The region of the Yuba, however, is 
considered the richest in gold at the present time. 

14. Manufactures. —A great variety of manufactures 
of necessary articles have suddenly sprung up in this region. 
These are likely to increase with the rapid augmentation of 
the population, and the wants of the country. 

15. Coniiuerce. —Gold is the chief article of export. 
The greater part is sent to the United States, but it is dis¬ 
tributed also to Mexico, South America, England, the Sand¬ 
wich Islands, and China, there being gold-diggers, merchants, 
adventurers, and speculators from all these, as well as many 
other countries. Nearly all the necessaries of life, from 
houses down to the commonest implements, are imported. 

culture? 13. Mining? 14. Manufactures? 15. Commerce? 


Entire dwellings, both from Europe and various parts of 
America, have been shipped hither. 

16. luhabitaiits.— It is probable that more than 
half of the inhabitants of California are emigrants from the 
United States. There are a few thousand of the old Span¬ 
ish settlers in the old towns, some Indians, with numerous 
adventurers from Mexico, South America, China, and all the 
prominent countries of Europe. It is impossible to conceive 
a more varied population, drawn suddenly together by a 
common impulse, and acting under the same absorbing sen¬ 
timent. The American character, however, predominates, 
and is rapidly melting society into a common mass. 



17. Towns. — San Francisco, containing only a few j 
hundreds of people five years since, now numbers | 
twenty-five thousand inhabitants. It has streets, squares, 
hotels, banks, and all the attributes of a commercial mart, j 
Six hundred vessels are to be seen in its harbor. Lines j 
of steamers connect it with the eastern world, and another 
line is projected to establish communication with China, 
and other parts of the Asiatic coast. No other spot on 
the globe has ever opened so sudden and so wide a pros- 
pect'of important events as this. For the present, the city 
presents a striking aspect. People of all countries, cos- , 
tumes, and languages throng its streets. Here is to be seen I 
alike the calculating merchant, the eager gold-hunter, the i 
sly speculator, the missionary, and the gambler, with the | 
reporter, pen in hand, to tell the world their stoiy. The ! 
other large towns in this state are San Diego, Los An- j 
gelos, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Monterey, all old i 
Spanish settlements on the coast. Vallejo, the new capital, 
will be one of the finest cities of America. Sacramento 
City is on the east side of the river Sacramento, near the 
junction of the Amei'ican with that river, about 120 miles 
northeast of San Francisco. It has grown up rapidly, and j 
has banks, hotels, streets, &c. It is, next to San Francisco, | 
the most populous town in California. Steamboats run be¬ 
tween here and that city, daily. It was the scene of a ter- | 
rible fire in the year 1850. New York is a new settlement, 1 
opposite the entrance of the rivers Sacramento and San I 

16. Inhahitants ? 17. Towns ? Capital of California? IQ. History ? ; 


































134 


TERRITORY OF OREGON. 


Joaquin into Suisun Bay. Stockton is a growing toAvn on the 
east side of the San Joaquin, a few miles north of the Stan¬ 
islaus. Sonoma and St. Louis are settlements on a small 
stream flowing into San Pablo Bay. New Helvetia lies a 
few miles northeast of Sacramento. There_,are a fort and 
United States troops at this place. Fremont is on the south 
side of the Sacramento, opposite the mouth of'the Feather 
River. Vernon is a thriving place on the Feather River, 
about twenty miles northeast of Sacramento. Marysville 
is a thriving‘village, at the junction of the Yuba with the 
FGather River, eighty miles northeast of Sacramento. Small 
steamboats come up to this place. Here is a rendezvous 
for miners, and here may be seen all the articles necessary 
for their support and equipment—tents, mining tools, ready¬ 
made clothing, spirits, beef, pork, flour, &c. From this 
point the miners proceed on foot, their baggage being carried 
by mules. Rose’s Bar, twenty-five miles above Marysville, 
is on the Yuba, and here are rich diggings. The country is 
mountainous—the banks of the rivers below, to Suisun Bay, 
being low and waving, with mountain ranges at a distance. 
Foster’s Bar, thirty miles higher up the river; Goodwin’s 
Bar, thirty miles further.; and Downieville, eight miles be¬ 
yond—making 250 miles northeast of San Francisco—are 
all settlements at favorable points for mining. Downieville is 
a considerable village, and on the ridges and ravines around 
! several thousand miners are at work, from May to August— 
the dry season. The snows sometimes rest on the mount¬ 
ains here, and obstruct the diggings till June. There are 
many other towns and villages springing up. The Mari¬ 
posa district is noted for its gold mixed with quartz. 

18. History. —The present state of California occupies 
but a small portion of the whole region called Qalifornia, 

1 under the Spaniards. Some missions and trading posts were 
early established here, but, in general, it may be remarked 
that this territory received little attention from the Spanish 
government, for a long period after their acquisition of 
. the country by the conquests of Cortez in 1523. A 
few settlements were made upon the coast during the 
eighteenth century. Some of these grew into small com- 
' mercial ports, and a few farmers settled here and there 
in the interior, especially upon the plains at the south, 

I toward the Colorado. In 1846, the country was taken 
possession of by the United States forces, and, at the close 
of the Mexican war, in 1848, it was confirmed to the United 
States. Immediately after the discovery of the gold mines 
in that year, the population increased with unexampled 
rapidity. The inhabitants soon discovered the necessity of 
regular government. In 1849, a convention assembled, 
which formed a constitution, whose admirable provisions 
excited the applause of the civilized world. This was im¬ 
mediately ratified by the people, and in 1850 California was 
admitted as a state into the Federal Union. 


Lesson LXVL.. Territory of Oregon. 

1. Cliaractcristics. —Oregon occupies the north- 
i western corner of the Union, and lies between the Rocky 
I Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. 

I 2. Mountains. —The Rocky Mountains, separating 
I this territory from that of Nebraska, here consist of several 
i parallel ridges, with numerous chains shooting off east and 
j west, with lofty plains at their base. A range less elevated. 


called the Blue Mountains, extends north and south nearly 
through the center of the territory. The Sierra Nevada 
range here takes the name of Cascade Mountains. These 
are from 100 to 150 miles from the Pacific, their tops rising 
in regular cones to the hight of 13,000 or 14,000 feet. 

3. Valleys. —The principal valley is that of*the Co¬ 
lumbia. The various head streams and tributaries pass 
through rather rugged regions, but are occasionally bor¬ 
dered by narrow, fertile plains. 

4. Rivers. —The principal river of the region, and the 
largest that enters into the Pacific, is the Columhia. It 
rises in the Rocky Mountains, at a short distance from the 
source of the Missouri. Its upper course is rapid, and 
frequently broken by falls. Its whole length is 1500 
miles. It is navigable 120 miles for vessels of twelve feet 
draught, though obstructed by numerous sand-bars. Twen¬ 
ty miles from its mouth, its width is greatly increased. The 
Lewis River, its main tributary, also rises in the Rocky 
Mountains, and flowing in a very circuitous route to the 
northwest, empties into the Columbia. It affords little 
facility for navigation, on account of its frequent rapids. 
Another branch of the Columbia rises further north, in the 
British Territory, about latitude 50°. The Willamette 
is a considerable stream, rising in the Cascade Mountains; 
flowing nortliward, ii empties into the Columbia. This 
river has many other tributaries, but none of great extent. 

5. Liakes. —There are many small lakes, especially in 
the mountains, connected with the head-waters of the riv¬ 
ers. There are also small sheets of water spread over the 
country, which greatly add to its picturesque beauty. 

6. Shores, Harbors, &c. —At the southwestern cor¬ 
ner of the territory is Cape Blanco, and at the northwest¬ 
ern, Cape Flattery. Gray’s Harbor is small, but it admits 
vessels of ten feet draught. The entrance to the Columbia is 
obstructed by sand-bars, and these are said to be increas¬ 
ing. The Clatsop, or South Channel, has lately been ex¬ 
plored, and promises a good entrance. There are several 
fine harbors within the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The tide 
has here a rise and fall of eighteen feet. The whole Pa¬ 
cific line of coast, in Oregon, measures nearly 400 miles. 

Y. Vegetable Products. —These do not appear to 
differ materially from those in corresponding latitudes, to 
the east. The forests, consisting of the various deciduous 
trees, rise to a great elevation, and particular trees attain 
the hight of 200 feet. Pines, furs, spruce, arbor-vitm, 
and cedar are among the evergreens. The oak, ash, 
poplar, maple, willow, and cherry are mentioned among 
the common forest trees. Thickets of hazel, roses, Ac., 
abound. 

8. Animals. —There is abundance of game, such as 
the elk, deer, antelope, black and grizzly bear, w-olves, foxes, 
muskrats, martins, beavers, &c. On the rolling prairies of 
the middle section there is no game. In the eastern part, 
the buffalo is met with. The fur-bearing animals are rap¬ 
idly diminishing, being slaughtered by the hunters and 
trappers. In the spring and autumn, immense flocks of 
wild-fowl are seen upon the rivers and along the shores. 
Fishes abound in the rivers and sounds, including the 
salmon, salmon-trout, sturgeon^ cod, carp, sole, flounders, 
perch, herring, lamprey-eels, -with crabs, clams, oysters, 
muscles, &c. The Indians subsist almost wholly upon fish. 
Whales are found along the coast, and the Indians often 
capture them at the mouth of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. 


LESSON LXV 


1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 


3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Shores, harbors, d;c.f 


























TERRITORY OF OREGON. 


135 


9. Minerals. —The minei’al resources of this country 
are little known. Gold has recently been found, and it is 
expected that further investigation will disclose rich mines 
of this mineral. 

10. Climate. —In general, the climate is several de¬ 
grees milder than in the same latitudes upon the Atlantic. 
In the eastern section, it is variable ; a single day will 
sometimes present the temperature of the four seasons. 
In the middle section, the atmosphere is drier ia the sum¬ 
mer and colder in the winter than in the western section. 
No dews fall. This region is unfit for cultivation, but is 
well adapted for grazing. The western section, between the 
Pacific and the mountains, is much milder than the others. 
It does not experience the extremes of heat or cold, and is 
temperate throughout the year. The whole Territory of 
Oregon is in a high degree salubrious. The winter here 
lasts from December to February. Snow seldom continues 
over three days, along the coast. 

11. Soil. —l^is is greatly diversified. The western 
section may be generally regarded as fertile, presenting 
both uplands and prairies, well adapted to grain and fruits. 
The middle section has a lighter soil. It is generally a 
rolling prairie of sandy loam, with a few narrow, rich val¬ 
leys. The eastern section is a rocky and broken region; 
the mountain peaks often preserve the snow throughout 
the year. There are occasional patches of timber; but 
in general it is a barren, chilly region, much of the soil 
being impregnated with salts. 

12. Face of tlie Country. —Oregon is physically 
divided into three regions : first, the eastern —an elevated, 
cold, rocky, barren territory, between the Rocky and the 
Blue Mountains ; second, the middle territory, consisting of 
a vast rolling prairie, broken at the south by mountain 
spurs and ridges ; third, the western region, lying between 
the Cascade Range and the Pacific. This ia.st is the finest 
part of the whole territory, and is highly attractive from 
its climate, soil, and resources. 

13. Agriculture. —This is the chief employment of 
the American settlers. Wheat, rye, oats, barley, garden 
vegetables, apples, and pears are raised with facility. In¬ 
dian corn and peaches do not thrive so well. Most of the 
farms are in the western section. 

14. Maiiufucturcs. —These are in their infancy, but 
there are several large establishments. 

15. Commerce. —This is chiefly confined to the ex¬ 
port of furs. Some bread-stuffs are sent to California. 
Considerable quantities of foreign merchandise are received 
from the Atlantic portion of the United States. 

16. Hunting. —For a long period this region was only 
resorted to for obtaining furs from the Indians. In 1811, 
the Pacific Fur Company established a post at the mouth 
of the Columbia, called Astoria. Soon after, the Hudson’s 
Bay Company established posts at some points higher up 
the river. These are continued, and this company have 
almost a monopoly of the fur trade. 

17. Political divisions. —Oregon is divided into 
counties, as follows: 


Coanties. 
Benton... 
Clackraas 

Clark. 

Clatsop... 
Linn.... 


Pop. in 1850. 

. 814 

. 1,859 

. 649 

. 462 

_ 994 


Conntioa. 

Lewis. 

Marion. 

Polk. 

Washington 
Yam Hill... 


Pop. in 1850. 

. 558 

. 2,749 

. 1,051 

. 2,651 

. 1,512 


7. Vegetable products? 8. Animals? 9. Minerals? 10. Cli¬ 
mate ? 11. Soil ? 12. Face of the country ? 13. Agriculture ? 


The Indians are supposed to number 20,000. The 
chief tribes are the Flat Heads, Wallawallas, Nez Perces, 



Trading with Indians on the Coast of Oregon* 

Shoshonees, Cayuses, Boonacks, Moleles, and Umpqnas. 
They derive their subsistence chiefly from the fisheries. 
They take large numbers of wild animals, and exchtinge 
their furs and peltries with the whites. There are several , 
missionary establishments, which have had some success' 
in Christianizing the Indians. 

18. Towns.— Fort Vancouver, on the north bank of ' 
the Columbia, ninety miles from the sea, is the principtil 
seat of the British fur trade. It .incloses a space thirty- 
seven by eighteen rods, and is strongly stockaded. Con¬ 
nected with it are fine farms, gardens, mills, schools, and 
mechanics’ shops. Astoria, eight miles from the Columbia, 
has only two buildings. Fort Wallawalla, on the south 
side of the Columbia, and Colville, on the south side of 
Clarke’s River, are British trading posts, with villages at¬ 
tached. There are American settlements on the Willam¬ 
ette, and in other parts. Oregon City is on this river, forty 
miles above the Columbia. It is a thriving village, with 
great water-power from the falls of the river, and other 
local advantages, Salem is the capital. 

19. History.— In May, 1792, Captain Robert Gray, in 
the ship Columbia, of Boston, discovered and entered the 
Columbia River, giving it the name of his vessel. Through 
this discovery the existence of the Columbia was first estab¬ 
lished. In 1804-5, Lewis and Clarke, under the direction 
of our government, explored the country from the mouth 
to the source of the Columbia. From 1808, the country 
was occupied by one or more of our fur companies. On 
these and other grounds, the United States claimed the 
territory up to the latitude of 54° 40'. As the British 
traders had settled in the territory, the British government 
set up a rival claim, which caused a serious and threatening 
dispute. This was happily adjusted by treaty, in 1846, 
making the line of 49° our northern boundary. The set¬ 
tlers organized a provincial government, but this was su¬ 
perseded by an act of Congress in 1849, which established 
a regular territorial government over the country. The 
governor resides at Salem. 


14. Manufactures? 15. Ceymmerce? 16. Hunting? 17. Po 
litical Divisions? 18. Towns? 19. History?^ 



































136 


GENERAL VIEWS OF THE UNITED STATES. 


Lesson LXVII... General Views of the United 

States. 

1. Territory of the IJuited States. —The territory 
of the United States, which is now estimated at three mill¬ 
ion two hundred thousand square miles, has been derived 
from various sources. The thirteen English colonies which 
united in the Revolutionary war, held nearly the same terri¬ 
tories which they now possess, as states. Besides these, Vir¬ 
ginia laid claim, by virtue of her charter, to an undefined 
tract to the west, including Kentucky, and what was afterward 
called the Northwestern Territory —embracing Ohio, Indi¬ 
ana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These latter claims 
she ceded to the United States in 1787, making a small 
reservatk)).! of lands in Ohio, for the payment of certain 
state debts. Tennessee was originally a part of North 
Carolina. Alabama was mostly included in the original 
patent of Georgia. Maine was a part of the State of Mas¬ 
sachusetts. Thus the whole of the present territory of the 
United States east of the river Mississippi, excepting only 
the State of Florida and the whole Gulf coast came to us as 
the possessions of the original thirteen English colonies. 
Florida and part of Alabama and Mississippi were ceded to 
us by Spain in 1819, as compensation for spoliations upon 
T commerce. The Louisiana purchase, made in 1803, 
e us the whole tract lying between the Mississippi River 
he Rocky Mountains, including the States of Louisiana, 
isas, Missouri, and Iowa, with the contiguous terri- 
of Minesota, North-west, and the Indian Territory. 

5 was obtained by a treaty of annexation in 1845 ; 
^mn, by discovery and occupation ; California, Utah, and 
V Mexico, by treaty with Mexico after the war, in 1848, 
1. Progress of the United States. —The ratio of 
.crease, hitherto, seems to show that our population 
doubles once in twenty-five years, as elsewhere stated. In 
1790, we had 3,929,827 inhab.; in 1800, .5,305,941; in 
1810,7,239,814; in 1820,9,638,191; in 1830,12,866,020; 
in 1840, 17,062,566. The census of 1850 shows a popu¬ 
lation of 23,257,723, and we shall probably continue an 
equal increase, as emigration and the general causes of 
progress in population were never more active than at 
present. Taking these facts as the basis of calculation, it 
seems probable that the population of the United States 
will reach a hundred millions before the close of the present 
century. “ Our present population,” says Mr. Rantoul, in 
his Concord oration, 1850, “is nine times that of the day 
of the Concord fight, April 18, 1775, and a continuance of 
tlie same ratio for the same period, to the year 1925, will 
extend the blessings of the Union over more than 200,000,000 
souls. Our present wealth is more than forty times that of 
the colonies seventy-five years ago. The annual income of 
the nation is at least twenty-five times as great as it was 
then. Of the great element of power over physical nature, 
coal, our production is now greater than that of the world 
seventy-five years ago. Of iron, the chief instrument with 
which man subdues nature to his purposes, our product is 
greater than that of all the world seventy-five years ago. 
Of gold, the other main sinew of war, and the negotiator of 
the exchanges of peace, we produce more than the rest of 
the w'orld now does. Our cotton manufactories exceed 
those of the whole world seventy-five years ago. Our ton¬ 


nage exceeds that of the world seventy-five years since. It 
will soon surpass that of the British Empire ; and, in a few 
years, much short of three-quarters of a century, it will far 
surpass that of the rest of the world. We have more print¬ 
ing-presses in operation, and more printed volumes in the 
hands of our people, than the whole world had on the day 
of the Concord fight. More newspapers are printed in the 
city of Boston every day than the whole world then pro¬ 
duced. Since that day, America has produced the steam¬ 
boat, and adopted the locomotive; and there are more 
steam-engines employed in Massachusetts than were then 
used in the rest of the world.” 

3. Army, Navy, &c. —The army of the United States 
includes 8867 men; and the navy comprises forty large 
and forty smaller vessels of war. The annual revenue of 
the government is about $50,000,000, chiefly derived from 
customs on imported goods. Two-fifths of the expenses of 
the government are for the army and navy. Our national 
debt is about $85,000,000. The tonnage of the United 
States is now larger (viz., 3,535,000 tons) than that of any 
other nation, except G. Britain, which has 4,360,000 tons. 

4. Railroads. —There are in the United States 16,000 
miles of railroad. About 1,400 miles are in New York; 900 
in Pennsylvania; 800 in Georgia; 1,100 in Massachusetts; 
560 in Virginia; 400 in Maine. There is an uninterrupted 
line from Waterville, Me., to Montgomery, Ala., 1,900 
miles, passing through all the principal cities. There are two 
lines from New York to Lake Erie: one' by way of Albany, 
to Buffalo, and one by way of Piermont, to Dunkirk. 

5. Telegraphs. —There are about 26,000 miles of 
telegraph in the United States: 15,000 conducted on 
Morse’s plan, and 11,000 on those of House and Bain. 

6. Cauals.— The aggregate length of canals is 4500 


miles. The principal are these: 

Names. in miles. 

Erie, extending from Albany to Buffalo, N. Y.363 

Champlain, from Albany to Whitehall, N. Y. 64 

Delaware and Hudson, from Kingston, N. Y., to Honesdale, Pa. 82 

Morris, from Jersey City, N. J., to Easton, Pa.102 

Pennsylvania, with railroad, from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, Pa.305 

Chesapeake and Ohio, from Baltimore to Cumberland, Md.186 

Miami, from Cincinnati to Fort Defiance, 0.178 

Ohio and Erie, from Portsmouth to Cleveland, ..306 

Wabiish and Erie, from Evansville to Lake Erie.464 

Illinois, from Chicago to Ulinois River. 96 


6. Distances from New York— 


Havana. 

New Orleans. 

Chagres. 

6an Francisco, via C. Horn. • 

Cape of Good Hope. 

Cape Horn. 

Cairo, Egypt. 

Athens, Greece. 

Liberia. 


miles, 1,300 
“ 1,700 

“ 2,300 

« 16,000 
“ 8,000 
« 6,700 

“ 5,000 

« 4,800 

“ 4,500 


Rome. 

Algiers 
Bremen ..... 

Lima. 

Liverpool 

Iceland. 

Greenland.... 

Havre. 

Southampton 


8. Religious Denominations. 


miles, 4,200 
“ 4,000 

“ 3.570 

“ 3,700 

« 3,084 

“ 2,500 

“ 1,800 
“ 3.154 

“ 3,156 


DenominatioDs. 

Churches. 

Ministers. 

Members. 

Baptists. 

13,429 

8,308 

5,216 

947,101 

1,176,213 

491,473 

197,196 

67.550 

Presbyterians. 

Congregationalists. 

5,673 

1,971 

1,192 

1,604 

261 

4,382 

1,687 

1,497 

663 


163.000 


273 

69,760 


276 

289 

32,840 

65,000 

30,0(M) 

150.080 


653 

317 


244 

174 


1,000 

966 

800 

Catholics. 

1,026 

1.231,300 


The numbers in the third column represent the communicants, except in the 
case of the Roman Catholics, of whom the entire population is given. The 
number of Jews is unknown. The remainder of the population, about 20,000,000, 
is Protestant, and connected with the various denominations in nearly the same 
proportion with the church members. 


LESSON LXVII. X. Territory of the United States f 2. Prog¬ 
ress of the United States / Give some instances of this. 3. Army, 


navy, Ac. ? 4. Railroads ? 5. Telegraphs ? 6. Canals ? 

7. Distances from New York? 8. Religious denominations i 









































































GENERAL VIEWS OF THE UNITED STATES. 


137 


9. Ex{>ovts. —The total amount of the export-s of the United 
States in 1860, was ?178,138,318: the imports were $151,898,7‘20. 
Of tlie exports 81 n 15 ^ 94 6 012 were products of tlie industry of the 
United States, some of which were as follows: 


Pro-iuota of the sea..f 8,000,000 

PrtKlucts of the forett, (lumber, timber, pitch, turpentlue, fur, Ac.,). 7,500,000 

Animal producta, (meat, butter, cheese, wool, Ac., Ac.,). 10,500,000 

Vegetable products, (corn, wheat, potatoes, apples, Ac., Ac.,) of which cotton 

nmonnled to about |7'i,000,000, and tobacco to about $10,000,000 . 95,000,000 

Manufactured articles... 20,000,000 


10. Chief Productions. —The annual products of the 
chief branches of industry in the United States are estimated as 
follows: 


Mnnufacture,.$1,050,300,000 

Mine.. 150,000,000 

Ajrricultiire. 1,500,000,000 

The following are taken from the census of 1850: 

Far7ns,&c. —Land under cultivation, 118,435,178 acres; unimproved 
land, 184,596,025 acres; cash value of farms, $3,266,925,537;- im¬ 
plements and machinery, $157,605,147. 

Live Stock. —Horses, 4,325,652; asses and mules, 559,070; milch cows, 
6,391,946; working oxen, 1,698,261; other cattle, 10,265,180; sheep, 
21,621,482; swine, 30,315,719; value in the aggregate, $543,822,711. 
Animal Products. —Wool, 52,518,143 lbs.; butter, 312,948,915 lbs.; 
cheese, 105,539,599 lbs.; value of animals slaughtered, $119,475,020; 
silk cocoons, 14,763 lbs.; beeswax and honey, 14,850,627 lbs. 

Food Ci-ojis. —Wheat, 100,479,150; rye, 14,188,457; Indian corn, 
592,141,230; oats, 146,533,216; barley, 5,167,213; buckwheat, 
8,955,945 bushels; rice, 215,312,710 lbs.; peas and beans, 9,219,642; 
Irish potatoes, 65,781,751; sweet potatoes, 38,255,810 bushels. 
Other Crops. —Tobacco, 199,739,746 lbs.; cotton, 987,450,000 lbs.; 
hay, 12,839,141 fons; hemp, 88,968 tons; flax, 13,391,415 lbs.; 
maple sugar. 33,980,457 lbs; cane sugar, 247,778,000 lbs; molasses, 
12,821,574 gallons; wine, 221,249 gallons. 

Value of the Products. —Of the orchard, $7,720,862; of the market 
gardens, $5,270,130; ‘and of home-made manufactures, $27,478,931. 

11. Extent, Population, &ic., of the IJ. States: 


Population. 

V 

*1 Maine. 583,188 

.2 « New Flampshire. 317,964 

^3 Vermont. 314,120 

Mnssachiiaetta. 994,499 

Rhode Island. 147,544 

^ Connecticut. 370,791 

2,728,106 

New York.3,097,394 

S • New Jersey. 489,555 

Pennsylvania.2,311,786 

Delaware. 91,535 

Maryland. 683,035 

6,573,306 

Virginia.1,421,661 

North Carolina. 868,903 

-5 South Carolina. 668,607 

^ Georgia. 905,999 

P Florida. 87,401 

S Alabama. 771,671 

Mississippi. 606,555 

5 I.X)uieiana. 611.974 

w Texas. 212,592 

6,055,263 

Arkansas. 209,639 

^ Missouri. 682,043 

^ Tennessee.I,0ft2,625 

5 Kentufky .. . 982,405 

^ Ohio.1,980,408 

6 Indiujin. 988,416 

3 Illinois. 851,470 

^5 Michigan. 397,654 

Wisconsin. 305,191 

Iowa. 192,214 

7,592,065 

j. « Minesota. 6,077 

New Mexico. 61,547 

V S Indian Territory. « 

h Nebraska. * * * 

67,624 

§ California. 165,000 

‘I & Utah. 11,380 

^ ^ Oregon. 13,293 

^89,673 

District of Columbia. 51,687 


No, of Slaves. 


2,289 

90,368 


472,528 
288,412 
384,984 
381,681 
39,309 
342,892 
809,898 
244 786 
239,461 


46,982 

87,422 

239,461 

210,981 


3,687 


Totals.23,257.723 3.2t >4.267 


Extent IQ 
Square Miles. 


30,000 

9,280 

10,212 

7,800 

1,306 

4,674 

63.272 


46,000 

8.320 

46,000 

2,120 

9,356 

111,796 


61,352 

45,000 

24,500 

58,000 

59,268 

60,722 

47,166 

46,431 

287,324 

”629,^0 


62,193 

67,380 

45,600 

37,680 

39,964 

33,809 

65,405 

56,24.3 

53,924 

60,9 14 

493,117 

R3.000 

219,774 

187,171 

724,264 

1^14,209 

188,982 

187,923 

841,463 

71^68 


3,2:10.572 


No. of 
Inhabitants 
to Square Mile. 


19.44 

34.20 

30.76 

127.49 

112.97 

79.33 


67.33 

58.84 

50.25 

43.17 

62.31 


23.17 

19.30 

27.28 

16.62 

1.47 

16.21 

12.86 

11.15 

.89 


4.01 

10.12 

21.98 

26.07 

49.55 

19.23 

15.36 

7.07 

6.65 

3.77 


0.07 

0.28 


861.45 


9. Krports of domnstie produce ? 10. Chief productions ? 11. Kxtent and popu¬ 
lation of the U. S, ? 12. Population of the U. States at seven different j^eriods ? 
13. Settlement, of the states^ and date of admission into the Union? 14. Presi¬ 
dents of the United States 7 


12. Population of the United States at Six 
Different Periods; 


StAt«S. 

n»o. 

1800. 

1810. 

1820. 

1830. 

1340. 

1860. 


96,540 

141,899 

85,416 

378,711 

69,110 

938,141 

340,120 

184,139 

434,373 

59,096 

819,728 

161,719 

183.762 

154,465 

423,245 

69,122 

251,002 

686,766 

211,949 

602,365 

64,273 

341,548 

45,365 

345,591 

162,101 

228,706 

214,360 

217,713 

472,040 

77,031 

262,042 

969,049 

246,560 

810,091 

72,674 

380,546 

230,760 

415,116 

262,433 

298,335 

244,161 

236,764 

623,287 

83,059 

275,202 

1,372,812 

277,575 

1,049,458 

72,749 

407,350 

681,434 

602,741 

340,987 

399.455 
269,328 
280,652 
610.408 

97,199 

297,676 

1,918,608 

320.823 
1,348,233 

76,748 

447,040 

937.903 
681,185 

616.823 
34,730 

309,627 

136,621 

216,739 

1,211,405 

737,987 

681.904 
687,917 

140.455 
30,388 

343,031 

157.445 

81,639 

601,793 
284,574 
291,948 
737,699 
108,830 
309,978 
2,428,921 
373,306 
1,724,033 
78,085 
470,019 
1,519,467 
594,398 
691,392 
54,477 
590,756 
875,661 
362,411 
1,239,797 
753,419 
829,210 
779,828 
883.702 
97,574 
685,866 
476,183 
212.267 
30,945 
43,112 

683,188 

817,964 

314,120 

994,499 

147,544 

870,791 

3,097,394 

480,555 

2,311,786 

91.536 

683.035 

1,980.408 

668,507 

905,999 

87,401 

771.671 

606,656 

511.974 

1,421,661 

868.903 

1,002-625 

982.406 

682,043 

209,639 

988,416 

851,470 

397,654 

305,191 

192,214 

212,592 

165,000 

61,687 

6,077 

61.547 

13.298 

11,380 



MasdAchnsetta. 








Ohio.. 


249,073 

82,548 


Florida. 





127,901 

75,448 

153,407 

1,065,379 

638,829 

422,813 

5W,3I7 

66,586 

14,273 

147,178 

65,211 

8,896 



8,850 

40,352 
76,656 
974,622 
656,.50(1 
261,727 
406,511 
20,846 




748,308 

393,751 

36,791 

73,077 

880.200 

478,103 

106,602 

220,956 




Missouri. 






4,875 

24,^20 

12,282 

4,762 






Wisconsin. 



Iowa. 





















14,U9S 

34,093 

33,039 

39,834 

43,712 





























6,318 

6,100 







3,9S9,847 

9,306,941 

7,239,814 

9,638,191 

12,866,000 

17,069,453 

23,257,723 



13. Settlement of the States, and Date of Ad¬ 
mission into the Union: 


States. 


Date. 


Places. 


Bj whom settled. 


Admitted 
into the 
Union. 


1. Florida. 

2. Virginia. 

3. New York. 

4. Massachusetts • • • 

5. New Hampshire. 

6. New Jersey. 

7. Deiaware. 

8. Maine. 

9. Connecticut. 

10. Maryland. 

11. Rhc^e Island.... 

12. North Carolina... 

13. Missouri. 

14. South Carolina... 

15. Michigan-...-.... 

16. Pennsylvania.... 

17. Arkansas. 

18. Illinois. 

19. Wisconsin. 

20. Texas. 

21. Indiana. 

22. Louisiana. 

23. Alabama. 

24. Mississippi. 

25. Vermont. 

26. Georgia. 

27. Tennessee. 

28. Kentucky. 

29. Ohio. 

30. Iowa. 

31. California. 


1565 

1607 

1614 

1620 

1623 

1624 
1627 
1630 

1633 

1634 
1636 
1650 
1663 
1670 
1670 
1682 

1685 

1686 
1690 
1692 
1694 
1699 
1703 
1716 
1724 
1733 
1765 
1775 
1788 
1820 
1768 


St. Augustine. 

Jamestown. 

Albany. 

Plymouth. 

Dover. 

Berg^. 

Cape Henlopen. 

York. 

VV'indsor. 

St. Mary’s. 

Providence. 

Albemarle. 

St. Genevieve. 

Port Royal. 

Detroit. 

Philadelphia. 

Arkansas. 

Kaskaskia. 

Green Bay. 

San Antonio de Bexar 

Vincennes. 

Ibberville. 

Mobile. 

Natchez. 

Fort Dummer. 

Savannah. 

Nashville. 

Boonesborough. 

Marietta. 

Dubuque. 


Spanish. 

English. 

Dutch.. 

English. 

English. 

Danes. 

Swedes and Finns . 

English. 

English. 

English. 

Roger Williams . •. 

English. 

French . 

English. 

French. 

William Penn. 

French . 

French . 

French . 

Spanish. 

French . 

French . 

Spanish. 

French. 

English. 

English. 

English. 

Daniel Boone. 

New Englanders •• 
Illinois people .... 
Spaniards. 


1845 


1820 


1821 

1836 

1836 

5'818 

1845 

1845 
1816 
1812 
1819 
1817 

1791 

1796 

1792 
1802 

1846 
1850 


14. Presidents of the United States: 


Name. 


Residence. 


George Washington- 

John Adams. 

Thomas Jefferson... • 

James Madison.- 

James Monroe.. 

John Quincy Adams 
Andrew Jackson.*.. 
Martin Van Biiren.. • 
William H. Harrison 

John Tyler.- 

James K. Polk. 

Zachary Taylor. 

Millard Fillmore ... 


Virginia. 

Masi^husetts. 

Virgima. 

Virginia. 

Virginia. 

Massachusetts. 
Tennessee .... 
New York.... 

Ohio. 

Virginia. 

Tennessee .... 

Louisiana. 

New York.... 


o 

ta 


1732 

1735 

1743 

1751 

1758 

1767 

1767 

1782 

1773 

1790 

1795 

1784 


Inslalled 
into office. 

Age at 
that time. 

1 Yrs. inofflce.l 

Died. 

Age at 
his death. * 

1789 

57 

8 

Dec. 14, 1799 

68 

1797 

62 

4 

July 4, 1826 

91 

1801 

58 

8 

July 4, 1826 

83 

1809 

58 

8 

June 28, 1836 

85 

1817 

58 

8 

July 4, 1831 

72 

1825 

58 

4 

Feb. 23, 1848 

80 

1829 

1837 

1841 

1841 

1845 

62 

55 

68 

51 

49 

8 

4 

June 8, 1845 

78 

4 

April 4, 1841 

68 

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June 15, iM9 

54 

1849 

1850 

65 

•• 

July 9, 1850 

66 






18 























































































































































































































































































































THE POLAR REGIONS. 


138 



from 




J?ear.i;, 

CoWer InarC^ 


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TTtjOS^^ 








til Ti’'4ii?s LW•;!^:^'^ 

^^^'^m,ilflibeeB r.% 

SavaimOgA'':':'w )^! - 




*^-sr 

^POTIA 




(lauToiii 


Greenland, 

leeland, 


extent, 710,000 square miles.—Population, 8, 
“ 40,000 “ —Population, §7, 


Russian America, extent. 300,000 square inlli's.—Pop. 10,000 ' 
British America, “ 2,800,000 " —Pop. 2,500,000 


Lesson LXVIII...Tlie Polar Regions: Green¬ 
land ; Iceland. 

1. Cliaracferistics. —The region around the North 
Pole is a cold, stormy, and desolate portion of the globe, 
alike unfriendly to animal and vegetable life. 

2. Arctic Ocean. —This flows north of the eastern 
continent, and separates Greenland from the American con¬ 
tinent. How far north Greenland extends is unknown ; but 
it is supposed to terminate beyond eighty degrees of north 
latitude. It is therefore probable that the Arctic Ocean 
occupies the whole space north of the two continents. 

,3. Tlie North Pole.— Various attempts have been 
made to approach the pole ; but, on account of the extreme 
cold, no one has ev'er been nearer than within eight degrees. 
Beyond eighty degrees of north latitude, winter holds 
perpetual sway ; vegetation disappears ; no human habita¬ 
tion is seen ; and the land, covered with mountains of ever¬ 
lasting ice, is given up to desolation. 

4. Islands, Shores, dec. —^cr^n’s 5ay is a large sea 
between Greenland and Prince William’s Land. It was 


discovered by Baffin, an English navigntor, A. D. lOlG. 
It can only be navigated a short space in summer, on ac¬ 
count of the ice. The coasts are mountainous. Tlie water 
is the resort of seals and whales. The chief islands are 
Disco and Waigatz, on the Greenland coast. This sea com¬ 
municates with the Atlantic by Davis's Strait, discovered 
by Davis, in 1587. It is greatly encumbered by ice, but 
is the resort of whaling ships. Lancaster Strait lead 
west from Baffin’s Bay into Barrow Strait. From thi? 
point westward there is a chain of straits and channels, which 
extend from Lancaster Sound to Bhering’s Strait; thus 
connecting the Atlantic, the Arctic, and the Pacific Oceans. 
In these waters are numerous islands, among which is 
that of Melville, one hundred miles long, and remarkable 
as the spot where the adventurous Captain Parry, with 
his crew, braved the Arctic climate for two years (1819— 
20). Here the sun set on the 4th of November, and 
did not rise till the 2d of February; making a night of 
three months’ continuance. This place is regarded as the 
most northern part of the British possessions. Many 
attempts have been made to discover a passage through 
these northern seas to Bhering’s Straits. Captains Ross, 


Exercises on the Map.— Where is Iceland? Greenland? 
Baffins Bay? Russian America? Melvillds Island? Davis' 


Strait? Boundaries of Russian America ? British America, dec.? 
LESSON LXVIII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Arctic Ocean? 















































THE POLAR REGIONS. 


139 



Views in the Polar Regions. 


Parry, Beechy, and Franklin, sent by the British govern¬ 
ment within the last thirty years, have made interesting 
discoveries, which were completed in 1837 by Dease and 
Simpson, of the Hudson’s Bay Company, proving beyond 
a doubt that through these seas the Atlantic and Pacific are 
connected. Sir John Franklin has now been absent sever¬ 
al years on an expedition to this quarter, and great anxiety 
is felt for his fate. 

5. Oreenlaud. —This is a vast island, chiefly Avithin 
the Arctic circle, and is one of the coldest and most deso¬ 
late of all the inhabited regions of the globe. Captain 
Ross visited the shore on the northern side of Baffin’s Bay, 
and found a few ignorant people, Avho fancied that his 
ships Avere huge birds. He named the country the Arctic 
Highlands. A little to the north, he discovered cliffs which 
were covered with red snoAv. The interior is occupied by 
mountains of ice, and the eastern coast is unapproachable. 
Greenland is surrounded by thousands of islands, mostly 
barren rocks. These are visited by the people in spring 
for catching seals. Seasons. —Here are tAvo seasons—a 
winter of nine months, and a summer of three. The land 
is barren, and the A^egetation consists only of mosses, shi'ubs, 
and stinted grasses. In the northern parts, during the 
Avinter, the sun is not seen for three or four months. Yet, 
during these lonof nio-hts, the heaA-ens are often illuminated 
by the most brilliant displays of the aurora borealis, or 
northern lights. Animals. —The principal animals of Green¬ 



land are the Avhite bear, Avhich is lai-ge and strong, and, 
when pinched by hunger, Avill come to the cabins and attack 
the settlers ; the reindeer, Avhose flesh is eaten; and dogs. 


Avhich are serviceable in drawing sledges over the snoAv. 
Food, dress, d’c. —Along the sea-shore are many seals, 
without which the inhabitants Avould perish. The flesh of 
these animals is used for food ; their oil for light and fuel; 
their skins for clothes, tents, and boats; and their sineAVS, 
for thread. The hunting of the seal constitutes the chief 
business and amusement of the Greenlander’s life. Small 
quantities of wheat, potatoes, kitchen-herbs, and berries are 
produced in the south, with low birch, alder, and AvilloAv trees. 
July is the only month Avithout snoAV. Inhabitants .— The 
inhabitants of this bleak and lonely island live in huts made 
of stone and turf, lighted and Avarmed by moss dipped in 
oil. They are good-natured, but Ioav of stature and dull 
of intellect. In their habits, they are to the last degree 
filthy. The stench of their cabins is intolerable to all but 
themselves. They were formerly pagans ; but the Mora¬ 
vian missionaries have partially converted them’ to Chris¬ 
tianity. The population is seven or eight thousand. They 
are all native Esquimaux, except about 140 Danish officers 
and missionaries. The missionary settlements are at Lich- 
tenau, Lichtevfels, and New Hernrhut. The principal auI- 



Lichtenfcls, Greenland. 


lages are FredcricJc s Harbor, JuliaFs Harbor, and Good 
Hope. History. —Greenland Avas discovered in 981, by Eric 
Raude, a Norwegian from Iceland, Avho Avas driv^en by acci¬ 
dent upon the coast. The country was, shortly after, colo¬ 
nized by a number of families from Iceland ; and in 1023 it 
came under the Danish government. At the beginning of the 
fifteenth century, there Avere 200 towns and villages, mostly 
on the east coast. But the whole colony, in a most mysterious 
manner, suddenly disappeared from the page of history, prob¬ 
ably oAving to the increased severity of the climate. Cap¬ 
tain Davis, an Englishman, rediscovered Greenland in 1586. 
No inhabitants Avere found, except Esquimaux; but the 
ruins of houses and churches Avere numerous. The Danes, 
in the beginning of the seventeenth century, sent out an 
expedition in search of the lost colony; but AA’ithout suc¬ 
cess. In 1721, a settlement Avas established on the Avest- 
ern coast by Hans Egede, a Norwegian clergyman, since 
Avhich time the colony has continued sloAvly to increase. 
The Moravian missionaries have had much success here in 
conA'erting the natives. All the present settlements are on 
the Avestern coast. Upernawik, in latitude 72° 48', is the 
most northerly town on the globe. 

6. Iceland. —This lies in the Atlantic Ocean, about tAvo 
hundred miles east of Greenland, and seven hundred west 
of Norway. Though subject to Denmark, it is physjcally 


3. The North Pole? 4. Islands, eke. ? 5. Greenland; its seasons, 


animals, inhabitants, dec.? G. Iceland; its mountains,products, dc.t 

























































































140 


RUSSIAN AMERICA. 



Mount Hccla. 


Shores of Russian America .— The Sea-Otter 



attached to the American continent. Afountains. springs, 
c&c.—Its surface is ruijfGjed and mountainous, and the island 
contains thirty volcanoes, the chief of which is Hecla. The 
eruptions of this are terrific. In one which took place 
in 1846, the ashes reached the Orkneys. Hot springs of 
remarkable size are numerous. One, called the Great Gey¬ 
ser, is intermittent, and throws up columns of boiling water. 
The first jets seldom exceed fifteen or twenty feet, but the 
highest often exceed eighty. The explosions take place at 
intervals of about six hours. The sides of the mountains are 
covered with glaciers, which occupy 4000 square miles, and 
are 4000 feet above the level of the sea. Products .—Hardly 
any trees grow, and fuel is scarce. There are many tracts 
of good soil. Grain will not thrive ; but cabbages and pota¬ 
toes are produced. Sheep, cattle, small horses, pigs, and 
dogs are reared. Wild reindeer abound ; fish and sea- 
fowl teem along the shores. History : Inhabitants. —Ice¬ 
land was discovered about the year 860 by a Norwegian 
pirate, name Naddohr, who was accidentally driven upon 
its coast, while on a voyage to the Faro Islands. A colony 
was settled here by the Norwegians in 874, and an inde¬ 
pendent republic soon rose in Iceland, which afforded an 
asylum to literature and the arts, then on the point of being 
overwhelmed by the general tide of barbarism on the Con¬ 
tinent of Europe. The Icelanders Avere skillful and hardy 
navigators. They discovered Greenland about the year 
980. A still more remarkable discovery, made by them 
shortly afterward, w'as Vinland, or Hew E^land, which 
we have already noticed. In the year 1261,^ie Icelanders 
submitted to Haco, king of Norway, and remained attached 
to this kingdom. In 1380, the island was transferred to 
the crown of Denmark. Since this time, it has continued, 
Avithout interruption, to form a part of the Danish domin¬ 
ions. During this period of tranquillity, the trade of Ice¬ 
land has declined, and the activity and enterprise of its 
inhabitants have become comparatively extinct. Still there 
are tAventy trading villages. The only toAvn is Reikiavik — 
900 inhabitants. Tlie Icelanders still maintain their litera¬ 
ture in full vigor, and a remarkable degree of general knowl¬ 
edge exists among them. Poetry is cultivated Avith zeal. 
The most famous Icelandic literary Avork is the Edda, 
a poetical romance, founded on the Scandinavian my¬ 
thology. 

L£jSSON LXI2. 1. Characteristics / 2. Mountains t 


Lesson LXIX... Russian America. 

1. Characteristics. — This country is a large penin¬ 
sula, and comprises the nortliAvestern corner of the Amer¬ 
ican continent. 

2. Mountains. —The great range of the Snowy Mount¬ 
ains extends to this region, and only terminates Avith the 
ocean. In some cases the mountains come close to the sea, 
having their tops croAvned Avith suoav. Afount Saint Elias, 
17,850 feet high, is the loftiest peak in North America. The 
scenes that are Avitnessed along the coasts, by the falling of 
glaciers, are said to be terrific. They sometimes fill up whole 
valleys, or fall into rivers and bays, Avhere they remain like 
hills of crystal. When such masses fall into a forest, the 
tallest trees are crushed, or scattered to a distance. When 
they fall into the sea, enormous Avaves rise, coA'ered Avith 
foam, and ships in the vicinity experience a violent shock. 

3. Shores, Islands, &c.— The Russian territory ex¬ 
tends north and south for more than a thousand miles. 
At the south, it consists of a narrow strip along the shore. 
Here are Mount FairAveather and Mount St. Elias. Near the 
shore is a group of islands, one of Avhich is Sitka, on Avhich 
NeAV Archangel is placed. To the north are Cape Elizabeth, 
Kodiak Island, and the long peninsula of Alaska. Bher. 
ing's Strait separates this territory from Asia. It is 
thirty-six miles Avide at the narroAvest part, and contains 
several islands. The shores are rocky, barren, and greatly 
indented. On the north side of the Russian territory are 
Icy Cape, Point Barrow, and Point Beechy. 

4. Climate, Products, &c.— The climate is cold, 
though someAvhat modified by the vicinity of the sea. Fogs 
and hazy Aveather are almost perpetual. The Strait is 
frozen over in Avinter, and, to the north, ice continues along 
the shores throughout the season. There are various kinds 
of fir, of Avhich the pine is the most common. In some 
places it rises in dark, lofty forests. In general, the trees 
are dwarfish. There are many shrubs, and some parts 
produce short grass. The rocks and marshes are covered 
Avith sponge-like moss, tAvo or three feet thick. In general, 
the aspect of the country is, in the highest degree, gloomy 
and repulsRe. 

5. Aiiimals. —The sea-shore along this territory is the 
resort of seals. Aval ruses, and numerous Avater-foAvl. Whales 


3. Shores, islands, Ac.? 4. Climate, products, Ac.? 5. Animals? 














































BRITISH AMERICA. 


141 


are found in the Strait. Fish is abundant. In the interior 
are foxes, wolves, white and black bears, beavers, martins, 
otters, &c. 

6. Political Condition, Towns, &c.— This Avhole 
territory is claimed by Russia, Avhich usually keeps here a 
squadron of two frigates and two corvettes. There are 
several settlements—one on the island of Kodiak, called 
Alexandria, Archangel, in Sitka, and some othc' s. The lat¬ 
ter is the capital, and has about 1000 inhabitants. It is the 
residence of the governor, has fortifications, magazines, &c. 
The Russian-American Company, incorporated in 1700, for 
fishing and the fur trade, have their establishments here. 
They have fifty ships, oi’ various sizes, eng iged in the col¬ 
lection and conveyance of peltry. 

7. Inliabitauts. —The whole population is supposed 
to be 10,000, fifteen hundred of whom are Europeans, and 
the rest savages. The latter are partly Esquimaux, and 
tribes of Indians blended with these. They all live by fish¬ 
ing and hunting, and are a rude, ignorant, and inoffensive race. 
The furs which thev take are sold to the Russian traders. 

8. History. —Bhering’s Straits were discovered by a 
Russian navigator, named Vitus Bhering, in 1728, and first 
explored by Captain Cook in 1788. In 1741, Tchirikoff 
discovered the American coast, and upon this the Russians 
found their claim to the country. The ^ ’.ssians who had 
establishments on this coast projected a scheme for taking 
possession of Nootka Sound, aboqt 1780, but this was pre¬ 
vented by the remonstrances of the Spanish government. 
In 1799, the Russian-American Company was chartered by 
the Emperor Paul. This caused settlements to be made 
here ; and in 1803, they extended south to Sitka. The set¬ 
tlement here was destroyed by Indians in the following 
year. Another toAvn was built near by, called Ncav Arch¬ 
angel, which has since been the capital. In 1825, the 
southern limit of the Russian territory was fixed at 54° 40', 
by treaty between Great Britain and Russia. 



Inhabitants of the Aleutian Islands, 


9. Aleutian Islands. — These extend from Cape 
Alaska, in North America, to the peninsula of Kamschatka, 
in Asia. They are very numerous, occupying a bending 
space of 600 miles. They are mountainous, and several 

6. Political condition, towns, <S:c. ? 7. Inhabitants ? 8. History ? 

9. Aleutian Islands ? 


peaks are volcanic ; some being in constant activity. Earth¬ 
quakes are common. Vegetation is scanty, consisting of a 
little grass and a few shrubs. The seas abound in fish and 
water-fowl. The sea-otter, common seal, and foxes are the 
principal animals. The natives are a mixture of the Tar¬ 
tars and North American Indians. They are indolent and 
peaceable, tattoo their bodies, often exchange wives with 
each other, and live in houses made of excavations in the 
earth, roofed oyer with turf. Sometimes 150 people will 
live in one of the dwellings. The population of these 
islands is estimated at 6000. They are under the govern¬ 
ment of Russia. 


Lesson LXX... British America. 


1. C'liiiractci'istics. —This territory stretches from 
the Atlantic to tlie Pacific, and is nearly as extensive as the 
whole United States. 

2. Mountains. —The Rocky Mountains extend across 
the western part of this territory, terminating at the Polar 
Sea. There are some ridges of hills, intersecting the 
country in different directions, giving a great part of the 
sui face a rugged and broken character, but seldom rising 
to any great bight. 

3. Rivers. —The principal river of this region is Mac¬ 
kenzie's, rising in the Rocky Mountains, passing through a 
great chain of lakes, and emptying into the Polar Sea. Its 
whole course is about 2500 miles. The other principal 
rivers are the Saskatchawan, Coppermine, Churchill's, and 
Black Rivers. The St. Lawrence forms a part of the 
southeastern border of the territory. 

4. l.akcs.— The boundary between the United States 
and Canada runs through the Great Lakes, Ontario, Erie, 
Huron, and Superior; leaving one-half of these on the 
British side. Tliere are many other lakes in this territory, 
among which Winnipeg, Great Slave, and Great Bear are 
the principal. 

5. Coast, &c.— The Atlantic coast is very irregular, 
presenting a variety of islands, bays, and gulfs. The prin¬ 
cipal islands are Breton, Prince Edward, Anticosti, all near 
the Gulf of St. LaAvrence ; Newfoundland; Southampton, 
in Hudson’s Bay ; Prince William's Land, and Melville 
Island ; this last being the most northern of the British 
possessions in this quarter. Hudson's Bay, 800 miles long, 
is an inland sea with bold shores, navigable only a -few 
months in the year, on account of ice. On the Avestern 
coast are Vancouver's, Queen Charlotte's. Prince of Wales', 
and some other islands. 

6. Vegetable Products.— Along the northern por¬ 
tions of this vast territory the soil is, for the most part, 
barren, and the vegetation thin and stinted. There are 
Avide tracts of barren territory, presenting a feAv stunted 
Avillows and alders, Avith shrubs and thin grass. Further 
south, as the climate becomes milder, the forest trees are 
taller and more abundant. From latitude 50° to 60°, a 
large portion of the country is heavily timbered. Far to 
the north, the climate is intensely cold in Avinter—Avine 
being frozen into a solid mass, and brandy coagulated to 
the consistency of oil. Even as far south as Canada, the 
Avinters are long and severe. 




7. Animals.— 'J’he polar bear, Avolverine, musk-ox, I 
reindeer, or caribou ermine, and Arctic fox, are found far 1 


LESSON LXX. 1. Characteristics of British America I ' 

2. Mountains ? 3. Rivers ? 4. Lakes ? 5. Coast, etc. ? 6. Vey- i 




































142 


BRITISH AMERICA. 



The Martin. 


to the north. The black bear, otter, beaver, muskrat, 
marmot, and wolf, are common in the middle regions. The 
black and grizzly bear, moose, silver fox, Rocky Mountain 
sheep and goat, lynx, martin, mink, wolverine, badger, sev¬ 
eral species of deer, bison, marmots, and smaller quadru¬ 
peds are common in the south. Birds are numerous ; 

I geese, ducks, gulls, and other water-fowl teem along the 
I shores. The seas of the Arctic region are thronged 

I with the whale, narwhal, walrus, and various kinds of 

seal. The interior regions are the resort of numerous 
I hunters and trappers. 

8. Inhabitants. —The whole northern part of British 
America is occupied by scattered tribes of savages. Fur¬ 
ther south, in the middle regions, there are numerous 
trading posts, and bands of white hunters and trappers, 
belonging to the Hudson’s Bay Company, which, spread 
over the country. Along the Gulf and River St. Lawrence 
and the Great Lakes, are the principal white settlements. 
To the west, from Great Slave Lake south to the United 
States, there are tribes of Chippewas, Knisteneaux, Crees, 
and other Indians. 

9. The Esquimaux. —These people are found along 
the northern and eastern shores of Labrador, and those 
which border upon the Polar Sea, both in British and 

I Russian America. They are thus thinly scattered over a 
I space of 2000 miles—frequently changing their place of 
abode, but always living near the sea, and finding their 
chief subsistence from it. They are of short stature, 
swarthy complexion, black, straight hair, and cheerful 
habits. They are entirely distinct from the common In¬ 
dians of Anierica. They are evidently of the same stock 
as the Lapps of Europe, and the Samoiedes and Kam- 
schadales of Asia. They all belong to what is called the 
Mongolian or Tartar race, and probably first came to the 
continent from Asia, across Bhedng’s Strait. Their di¬ 
minutive stature is, doubtless, owing to their residence in a 
polar climate for many generations. The Greenlanders are 
: Esquimaux, but a degree of civilization luis caused them to 

; differ from other tribes. Those along the coasts of Lab- 

j rador have partially embraced Christianity, under the 

I teaching of missionaries; the rest are savages. Their 

I houses vary in different tribes. Along the sea-shore, they 

are often of drift-wood ; sometimes they are mere tents of 
skins. In winter, many of them dwell in huts built of ice. 



Esquimaux. 


Their dress is of skins, the whole being .so loose that the 
people look like meal-bags inilated with wind. The chief 
ornament is a string of wolves’ teeth around the waist. 

O ^ 

The boots are so high and wide that women often carry 
their infants in them. The children wear fur caps, with 
the ears and noses of the animal, so that at a little dis¬ 
tance they resemble the cubs of bears, foxes, Ac. Fish 
and flesh, both raw and cooked, are eaten. Their chief 
ocoupation is hunting the seal, in Avhich they display great 
courage and skill, fearlessly pursuing the animal in skin 
canoes upon the ruffled waters. Simple songs, blind- 
man’s-buff, skip-rope, making droll faces, and dancing with 
a recitation of certain words, are their chief amusements. 
They have no government but that of families. Their 
religious belief is confined to superstitions relating to spirits 
with whom the conjurors are believed to have intercourse. 
Dead bodies are buried beneath stones or ice, yet so care¬ 
lessly that the wolves dig them up, and skulls are often 
seen around the huts. Sledges, drawn by an active species 
of dog resembling the wolf, are used in the winter months. 
The runners are sometimes made of the jaw-bones of the 
whale, and are shod by pouring water upon them and letting 
it freeze. Snow-shoes, made of the sinews of seals, netted 



Esquimaux Girl making a Snuw’-shoe, 


over a frame of wood, are made by the women, and worn 
both by them and the men. In general, the livelv, cheerful, 
social temperament of the Esquimaux is in strong contrast to 
the sullen and moody disposition of the American Indians. 


stable products ? 7. Animals ? 8. Inhabitants ? 9. The Es¬ 


quimaux I What of their customs, government, religion, Ac., Ac. f 




































































NEW BRITAIN, CANADA, NEW BRUNSWICK. ETC. 


143 



'*L. Ctuiwpnsoaw 


^UO/l 




TenuscatniJtq 




A ir-f/rz/rifatls 


[Bostar 


Lesson LXXI...New Britain, Canada, New 
Brunswick, &c. 


1. Political Divisions of British America.— 

These are as follows : 


New Britain, or Hudson’s Bay Co.’s Territory. 

Extent in 
sq. milts. 

Population. 

1851. 

Pop. to the 

sq. mile. 

2,372,000 

1.50,000 

195.000 

28,000 

18,800 

2,200 

30,000 

unknown. 
935,455 
874,110 
193,216 
270,117 
62.678 
110,000 

unknown. 

6 

7 

21 

28 

3 



Nova Scotia, with Cape Breton. 

Prince Edward’s Island. ..•••• 

Newfoundland. 


2. New Britain, or Hudson’s Bay Territories. 

—This is an immense tract, extending from the east coast 
of Labrador to the Pacific, and includes three-fourths of 
all British America. Divisions. —The north and west con¬ 
sist mostly of desolate plains, with forests along the rivers. 
In the southern part there are wide tracts covered with 
thick woods. On the east of Hudson’s Bay is East Main; 
on the west, Mew North and New South Wales. West of 
the Rocky Mountains is New Caledonia ; and on the shores 
'of the Arctic Ocean is Victoria Land. Fur Trade. —The 
chief value of this territory is in its immense supply of furs, 
to collect which the Hudson’s Bay Company has been long 
established, and owns trading posts at forts Churchill, 
York, and Albany, near Hudson’s Bay, and at various other 

Exercises on the M’ap of Canada .—Boundaries of Canada 
East? Boundaries of Canada West? Where is Ottawa River? 
St. Maurice River ? Anticosti Island? Cape Breton? Prince Ed- 


places on the principal lakes, and at the forks of the rivers. 
The most valued furs are those of the silver fox and black 
fox. Besides these, those of beavers, .^^iccoons, badgers, 
minks, lynxes, muskrats, rabbits, <fec., are obtained. In¬ 
habitants. —The Esquimaux wander from place to place 
along the whole eastern and northern shores. Small bands 
of other Indians roam over the central and western regions. 
History. —Labrador was discovered by John Cabot, in 1497, 
and it is supposed his son Sebastian entered Hudson’s Bay 
in 1512. This was rediscovered by Hudson in 1610. 
Meanwhile, the French had colonized Canada, and from 
thence carried on an active fur trade with the Indians west 
of Hudson’s Bay. In 1668, the English sent a vessel to 
Hudson’s Bay, which erected Fort Charles, on the bank of 
Rupert’s River. In 1670, the Hudson’s Bay Company was 
incorporated, and, sending its agents to this quarter, soon 
extended their trading posts, and engrossed a large part of 
the fur trade. Its operations are now on an immense scale, 
its territories stretching entirely across the continent, and 
equaling one-half of Europe in extent. They claim the ex¬ 
clusive privilege of trading with the Indians for furs through¬ 
out this territory. The company is under the direction 
of a governor, deputy-governor, &c., chosen by the proprie¬ 
tors, in London. The immense fur sales of the Hudson’s 
Bay Company take place every year, in the month of 
March, in London. These furs are thence distributed over 
the Continent. 


wardis Island ? Nova Scotia ? Bay of Fundy ? New Brunswick ? 
River St. John ? Quebec ? Montreal ? Toronto, &c. ? 

LESSON LXXI. 1. Political divisions of British America? 































































































NEW BRITAIN, CANADA, NEW BRUNSWICK, ETC. 


144 

3. Canada. —This consists of two provinces, formerly 
called Upper Canada and Lower Canada. In 1840, they 
were united into one; the separate parts being called Can¬ 
ada East and Canada West. Quebec is the capital. 

4. Canada East lies on both sides of the St. Law¬ 
rence. Climate, Products, cfcc.—Though it is in the latitude 
of Fiance, the climate is as cold as that of Sweden. The 
upper portions are tolerably fertile. The lower parts are 
barren. The winters are severe. The snow falls very deep, 
and often lasts for si.\ months. Some wheat and Indian 
corn are produced, and considerable amounts of lumber, 
flour, furs, pot and pearl ashes, are exported. Inhabitants. 
—This part of Canada was 
settled by the French in 1608, 
a year after the first settle¬ 
ment in the United States. 

The French held the country 
till 1759, when their entire 
possessions in this region were 
surrendered to the British. 

The present rural population is 
chietly French, who are called 
hahitans. They are a cheerful, 
ignorant, contented race, loyal Habitans. 

to the British government, and attached to their religion, 
which is Roman Catholic. There are many English, Scotch, 
and Irish in the towns and villages. Montreal, on an isl¬ 
and of that name in the 
St. Lawrence, was for¬ 
merly the capital of Brit¬ 
ish America. In 1849, 
the seat of government 
was removed to Toron¬ 
to, in Canada West, and 
in 1851 to Quebec. The 
Roman Catholic Cathe¬ 
dral in Montreal is the 
finest church in British 
America. There are 
many other imposing 
edifices. The institu¬ 
tions for education are - Flan of Montreal. 

numerous, and a general spirit of improvement pervades 
the population. Quebec is elevated partly on a plain along 
the St. Lawrence, and partly on a perpendicular rock 350 
feet high. The two portions are called the lower and upper 
towns. The place is strongly fortified ; yet it was taken by 
the British general, Wolfe, in 1759. 

5. Canada West extends along the northern borders 
of the great lakes. Climate, Soil, dtc. —The climate is 
milder than in Canada East, and the soil is more fertile, 
producing abundance of wheat and pasturage. Inhabit¬ 
ants. —The country has been recently settled from Great 
Britain and the United States, and the population has in¬ 
creased tenfold within the last forty years. A spirit of en¬ 
terprise and improvementv is infused into the people, and 
society is rapidly advancing in wealth and civilization. The 
chief settlements are along the shores of the lakes. To the 
north are some small bands of Indians. Canals and Rail¬ 
roads. —There are two important canals—those of Rideau 
and Welland. The first extends from the River Ottawa to 
Kingston ; the latter connects Lake Erie with Lake On- 

2. Kew Britain, or JJudsori’s Bay Territories ? 

4. Caieada East? Climate and products? 


tario. Both allow the passage of vessels of 125 tons. 
There are also several important railroads here and in 
Canada East. Chief Towns.—Toronto and Kingston are 
the chief towns of Canada West. Both are situated on the 
northern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is finely situated, 
and is a thriving city. Kingston has a fitie liarbor and 
considerable trade. There are several other flourishing 
towns and settlements in Canada West, among which we 
may mention Three Rivers, on the St. Lawrence ; Bytown, 
at the northern extremity of the Welland Canal ; and Ham¬ 
ilton, on Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls. —It is partly in 
this province that the Niagara River, which flows from 
Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, falls over a precipice of rocks 
160 feet high, and produces the celebrated Cataract of 
Niagara. The roar is heard for miles around, and a cloud 
of mist is usually seen over the thundering waters. 

6. l\ew Bruiiswicli lies between the state of Maine 
and Nova Scotia. Products, Soil, cCr.—New Brunswick 
contains vast forests, which fuiaiish a great (juantity of fine 
timber. The soil is good, but lumbering and the fisheries 
are the chief pursuits. Ship-building is an important branch 
of industry. The City of St. John is the chief town, and 
has a fine harbor. Frederickton, on the River St. John, 
is the capital, and here the governor lesides. History .— 
This province wms originally a part of Nova Scotia, and 
came into the possession of the British in 1758. It became 
a separate province in 1784. 

7. Nova Scotia is a long peninsula, east of the Bay 
of Fundy. Climate, d'c .—It is a cold, moist country, but 
yields large quantities of coal, and gypsum, or plaster of 
Paris. Iron and copper are also said to be found. It pro¬ 
duces fine potatoes and considerable grain. Fishing, navi¬ 
gation, and the trade in plaster and coal, form tlie chief 
objects of industry. The inhabitants are emigrants from 
Great Britain, and the descendants of former emicfrants 
from England, Scotland, and Ireland. Halifax, the chief 
naval station of British America, is the capital. It has a 
fine harbor, and on a hill, back of the town, are vast forti¬ 
fications in a state of progress. Liverpool, Annapolis, and 
Pictou are places of some note. Large quantities of coal 
come to the United States from the latter place. His¬ 
tory .—Nova Scotia was discovered by Cabot, in 1497, and 
Sir John Gilbert took possession of a portion of the con¬ 
tinent some time after. Hence the British laid claim to the 
territory in this quarter, including New Brunswick. They, 
however, made no settlements. In 1605, a French colony 
came hither under De Monts, and established themselves at 
a place which they called Port Royal —now Annapolis. 
This was the first permanent French settlement in America. 
The country, including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and 
the adjacent islands, was called Acadia. The colony flour¬ 
ished, and another settlement was made at Mount Pleasant, 
in Penobscot Bay. In 1613, this place was surprised and 
pillaged by an English ship of war. Soon after, an expe¬ 
dition was fitted out from Virginia, under Capt. Argali, for 
the purpose of dislodging the French in Acadia. He pro¬ 
ceeded hither, and, with ruthless barbarity, destroyed the 
settlement of Port Royal. This event furnished the theme 
for Longfellow’s poem of “ Evangeline.” In 1621, Nova 
Scotia was granted to Sir William Alexander, by James I., 
and the present name was adopted. Settlements Avere 
made here from time to time, but the country frequently 


3. What of Canada ? treat? Quebec? 5. Canada West? Climate and soil? Canals 
Inhabitants? Mon- { atid railroads? Chief towns? Niagara Falls? 6. New Bruns- 



























»■" ‘ -------- 

NEW BRITAIN, CANADA 

, changed hands, in the wars between France and England. 

■ It was confirmed to the latter in 1713, by the treaty of 
i Utrecht, and afterward by that of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748. 
j Cape Breton Island. —This, divided by an arm of the sea 
j into two* nearly equal parts, belongs to the province of 
j Nova Scotia. It is about 100 miles long, and 75 broad. 
Fishing is the chief object of pursuit. Louisburg was, oncQ 
strongly fortified, and is celebrated in history, but it is 
now nearly deserted. Sydnerj, the chief town, has 800 in¬ 
habitants, . and valuable mines of coal, from which large 
quantities are sent to the United States. History. —This 
island was first settled by the French, in I7l2. It was 
conquered by the Massachusetts militia in 1745, but was 

1 restored to France in 1748. It was reconquered by the 

1 American and British forces in 1758, and confirmed as a 

possession of Great Britain at the peace of 1763. In 1820, 
it was annexed to the government of Nova Scotia. 

8. Prince Edward’s Island lies in the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence. The climate is mild, and the land well wooded. 

, All kinds of grain flourish. Charlotte Town is the capital. 

! This island came to the British in 1758, and obtained a 

royal charter in 1770. To the north, in the Gulf, is the 
dangerous rocky island of Anticosti, with a light-house 100 
feet high. This belongs to Canada East. 

9. Newfoundland is a large island. Climate, Prod¬ 
ucts, &c.—It has a rugged surface, and a damp, cold cli¬ 
mate. It produces little besides dwarfish trees. Its chief 
value arises from the fisheries in the vicinity. Cod Fish¬ 
eries. —These, on the Banks of Newfoundland, are the most 
extensive in the world. Hither the fish resort every spring 
by myriads, and 40,000 fishermen, chiefly from the United 
States, repair here to take them. The rapidity with which 
Jhe fish are caught and dressed is amazing. They are car¬ 
ried to land and prepared for market, each operation being 
assigned to an expert individual. One takes off the head, 
and is called the header ; the one who rips open the fish is 
called the cut-throat, Ac. The fish are then salted and 
dried ashore on stands called flakes. The New England 
fishermen, who proceed to the Banks, usually dress the fish 
and put them down in bulk, till they have obtained a cargo, 
when they return and dry them on shore. Inhabitants. — 
The population of Newfoundland is scattered in villages 
along the shores. St. John's, the capital, is little more 
than a fishing station. The seal fisheries from this place 
are extensive. History. —Newfoundland was discovered by 
Cabot in 1497. It was settled by the English fishermen at 
an early date, and was confirmed to the British by the 
treaty of Utrecht, 1713. 

10. Government. —Each of the provinces of British 
America has a governor, council, and house of commons. 
The two former are appointed by the sovereign of Great 
Britain ; the latter are chosen by the people. Each legis¬ 
lature makes laws for its particular province, but the su¬ 
preme authority is vested in the British crown. A governor- 
general, who resides at Toronto, acts as its representative. 

11. General History of British America.— 
Jacques Cartier, a Frenchman, sailed up the St. Lawrence 
in 1534 and 1535, on which account the French claimed a 
right to the country. They made settlements on the river 
in 1608, and named the colony Hew France ; but its pop¬ 
ular appellation of Canada, a word of uncertain derivation. 

NEW BRUNSWICK, ETC. 145 

soon prevailed over the other, and was applied to the whole 
country. Quebec was founded in 1608, and Montreal in 

1640. Two French missionaries, named Marquette and 

Joliet, penetrated into the west, by the way of the Great 

Lakes ; and in 1673, discovered the Mississippi. In 1679, 

La Salle, the French commander of Fort Frontenac, on 

Lake Ontario, accompanied by Hennepin, a Franciscan 
friar, made an expedition to the west. They explored the 
country on the upper part of the Mississippi ; and in 1684, 

La Salle made a voyage from France to the Gulf of Mexico, 
for the purpose of exploring the mouth of the great river. 

This project, however, failed, as elsewhere related. Tlie 
French settlements in Canada rapidly increased, and the 
enlarged views of the French government led to a project for 
extending their settlements southward, from Canada down 
the Mississippi. Proceeding in this scheme, they founded 
settlements at various points between Lake Erie and the 

Ohio River. This was deemed an encroachment upon the 
rights of the Englush; and in 1753, Gov. Dinwiddie, of 
Virginia, sent George Washington to one of these places, 
sixty-five miles north of Pittsburg, to remonstrate against 
these measures. The French governor of the fort gave an 
evasive answer. The next year, the war broke out between 
France and England, and a mighty contest ensued, in which 
each party strove to gain an ascendency in the new conti¬ 
nent. The ablest French and British generals were sent 
hither, and a desolating war raged from the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence to the western extremity of Lake Erie. The 
enervating influence of the imbecile and debauched Louis 

XV. had now begun to weaken the French nation, while 

Great Britain was just entering upon those schemes of am¬ 
bition and aggrandizement which afterward made her mis¬ 
tress of the ocean, and dotted the world with her colonies. 

The contest was decided on the 13th September, 1759, by 
the capture of Quebec on the part of the British, as already 
stated. Montreal was soon after subdued, and in a short 
time all the French possessions in this quarter were con¬ 
quered. Tliese territories were confirmed to Britain in the 
peace of 1763, and thus she acquired, at a single blow, a 
country equal to two-thirds of Europe in extent. During 
the Revolutionary war, as well as that of 1812, the people 
of the provinces continued true to the British government, 
though several American expeditions were sent against 
them. In 1834, a spirit of discontent arose in the Canadas, 
which resulted in open insurrection three yeai-s after. 
Papineau, a celebrated lawyer, of French extract, took a 
leading part. The insurgents resorted to arms, and their 
forces were augmented by bands of adventurers from the 
United States. The strong military force of the govern¬ 
ment in Canada, however, soon suppressed this first out¬ 
break ; but in 1838 the insurrection was renewed, and be¬ 
came very threatening. Several battles were fought, but 
the insurgents were defeated, and some of their leaders 
taken, tried, and condemned. The struggle caused great 
excitement along the northwestern borders of New York, 
and the consequent collision between the government of 
Canada and the United States threatened a war between 
England and America. This, however, was happily averted. 

At a recent date, a large part of the people of Canada have 
shown strong discontent, amounting even to insurrection, 
with their colonial condition. 

wick ? Products, soil, &c. ? 7 . Nova Scotia ? Climate, dec. ? 

Towns ? History ? 8. Prince Edward’s Island ? Anticosti ? 

8. Newfoundland^ Climate, products, Ac. ? Cod fisheries i Inhab¬ 
it 

itants? 10 . Government of British provinces? 11 . General his¬ 
tory of British America? Who were the first settlers in Canada? 

What of the war between France and England ? 
























146 


MEXICO. 


Extent of Mexico, 


square miles.—Population, 7,661,919. 



Extent of Guatimala 




square miles.—Population, 2,000,000. 


Lesson LXXII....Republic of Mexico. 

1. Characteristics. —This is an extensive and popu¬ 
lous country, famous for its rich mines and its interesting 
history. 

2. Mountains. —The Cordilleras, a part of the great 
chain of mountains that extends the whole length of the 
American continent, crosses Mexico from north to south. 
Several of the peaks are volcanic. Popocatepetl, the most 
elevated, is 17,735 feet in hight. 

3. Rivers. —The Rio Grande, which separates Mexico 
from the U. States, is about 2000 miles long. The Gila., which 
divides Mexico from the State of California, is little known. 
The Colorado of the West empties into the head of the 
Gulf of California. The other rivers of Mexico are small. 
The southern and most populous part of the country suf¬ 
fers for want of water. 

4. L.akes. —There are a number of lakes of no great 
extent in the valley of Mexico, the waters of which are di¬ 
minishing. Tezcuco, the principal, near the city of Mexico, 
formerly received the rivers San Christoval, Zumpango, 
Chaleo, and Xochimilco, and was subject to inundations. 

Exercises on the Map.— Mexico — Boundaries ? Extent ? 
Population? What gulf on the west? On the east? Where is 
Vera Cruz ? A capulco ? Matamoras ? Mazatlan ? Direction of 
these from the city of Mexico? What volcano is in the southern 
vart of Mexico ? What range of mountains runs through its whole 
extent ? 

Guatimala.— Boundaries ? Extent ? Population ? What bay to 


To prevent these disasters, its waters have been made to 
discharge themselves into the river Tampico. The cele¬ 
brated floating gardens or chiampas, formed by covering a 
sort of raft, composed of rushes and shrubs, with a layer 
of rich earth, were formerly numerous on these lakes ; but 
most of those now called by that name are fixed, though 
some move from place to place. Lake Chapala, in the 
state of Xalisco, is distinguished for the beauty of its scenery. 

5. Bays and Harbors. —Although this country has 
a very great extent of sea-coast, it presents few good har¬ 
bors : but there are some on the western shores. Most of 
the rivers are obstructed by sand-bars, and both coasts are 
rendered almost inaccessible for several months by violent 
tempests. The Gulf of California is 800 miles in length by 
80 or 100 in breadth, but its navigation is rendered difficult 
by numerous shoals. The Gulf cf Tehuantepec, in the state 
of Oaxaca, and the Bay of Campeachy, between Yucatan 
and Tabasco, are the other chief bays. 

6. Animals. —Among the wild animals are deer, buf¬ 
faloes, several varieties of* the cat tribe, bears, &c. The 
condor, chiefly confined to the Andes, is here seen in the 
Cordilleras, and occasionally migrates within the territory 

the north ? Wliat sea to the east ? Where is Omoa ? San Salva¬ 
dor? What isthmus connects Guatimala with South America ? 

West Indies.— Describe the situation of the West Indies. Which 
is the largest of these islands ? The next ? Next ? Tell the direc¬ 
tion of the following from Cuba : Jamaica ; Martinico ; Hayti ; 
Guadaloupe. Where is Matanzas ? Kingston ? St. Domingo ? 
Havana? 

























































MEXICO, 


of the United States. Birds of gay plumage are common. 
Monkeys are numerous in southern Mexico. A recent trav¬ 
eler describes a party of these as bridging a river by forming 
a string extending from the top of a tall tree on one side, and 



Oroup of Xonkeys. 


! then swinging the line across, the lower monkey catching 
hold of a tree on the opposite bank ! Over this living bridge 
the others cross in safety. All the domestic animals thrive 
in the elevated table-lands of the interior. Horned cattle, 
mules, horses, and sheep, are numerous in the high table¬ 
lands of the north, and in some places run wild over the 
plains. ^ X 

Y. Products, &c. —The climate of Mexico is mild, 
seeming to be like perpetual spring. The soil is, in parts, 
highly prolific. Tim vegetable products are rich and varied. 

I Delicious fruits abound, including yams, oranges, melons, 
citrons, bananas, figs, <fec. The maguey or agave is a large 
I and thrifty plant, which yields an abundance of juice, made 
into a kind of cider, called pulque, which is a favorite liquor 
among the people. One plant will yield six hundred quarts 
in a sejrson. The cochineal insect, used for producing a 
red dye, is raised to a great extent by the Indians, who cul¬ 
tivate the plants on which it feeds. Cotton, sugar, indi¬ 
go, cocoa or chocolate-nut, <fec., are extensively produced. 

8. Minerals.— In the mountainous districts are the 
richest mines of silver in the world, yielding about twenty 
millions of dollars annually. The gold mines produce the 
value of about one million of dollars annually. Copper, 
lead, tin, quicksilver, zinc, and antimony are plentiful. 

9. Climate.— About one-third of the country lies 
within the torrid zone, but the remarkable elevation of its 
surface modifies its climate in a striking manner. The low 
country along the coasts has a tropical climate, and pro-' 
duces sugar, indigo, &c., while the region which occupies 
the central table-land from 6000 to 9500 feet in bight, 

I LESSOIi LXXII. 1. Characieriutics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. 

I Rivers? ^.La:es/ 5. Bays and harbors? 6. Animals? l.Pro- 

-— 7 , = : 


147 

is mild and temperate, and yields the cereal grains of the 
temperate zone. The intervening space, from 3000 to 
5000 feet in bight, exhibits an intermediate climate. Thus, 
in ascending the successive terraces, which rise from the 
sea to the surface of the table-land, the climates succeed 
each other, as it were, in layers, and in two days the whole 
scale of vegetation is presented to the view of a traveler. 
Some of the farms or haciendas are at an elevation of 
10,000 feet. Above the table-lands, single prominences 
rise into colder regions, and terminate in that of perpetual 
ice and snow. The year is divided into two seasons ; the 
rainy, lasting about four months from the end of May, and 
the dry season, comprising the rest of the year. The 
northern part has a climate resembling that of the Missis¬ 
sippi valley in corresponding latitudes, but to the west of 
the mountains, the cold is less severe. 

10. Soil.— The low plains on the coast are fertile, and 
have a luxuriant vegetation. Much of the central table¬ 
land is dry and sterile, but in those parts which are well 
watered, the vegetation is remarkably rich and abundant. 

11. Face of the Country.— Mexico consists of a 
country rising in successive terraces or table-lands to an 
elevation of 8000 or 10,000 feet, on the top of which are 
placed the snow-capped peaks of the Cordilleras. 

12. Divisions. —Mexico is divided into states or de¬ 
partments, each of which has a local government for partic* 
ular purposes; these are as follows. The population does 
not include foreigners. 


States. 

Pop. 1850. 

Area sq. m. 

1 Capital Cities, 

Pop. 


973,697 

35,450 

70,000 

18,440 

79,500 

Tlalpnn. 

200,000 


Guadalaxara. 

60,000 


580.000 

Puebla. 

80,000 

20,000 

60,000 


680,918 

713.583 

Merida. 


8,000 

32,650 

22,466 

•19,000 

Guanaxuato. 


525,101 

491,678 

368.120 

Oaxaca. 

40,000 


Valladolid. 

25,000 

50,000 

8. San Luis Potosi.. 

San Luis Potosi. 


356.024 

19,950 

Zacatecas. 

25,000 


264,725 

162.618 

27,660 

54,500 

Vera Cruz. 

10,(HK) 

25,000 

11. Durango. 

Durango .. 


147,600 

160,000 

144,070 

139.374 

184,161 

133,361 

100,064 

107,500 

57,700 

18,7.50 

200,000 

Chihuahua.. 

20,000 


Sinaloa.. 

13^000 


Ciudad Real. 

3,000 


Ures. 

2,000 

40.000 


7;500 

21,000 

35.100 

Queretaro. 



15,000 

18. Tamaulipas. 

Victoria'.. 

3,000 


7.'t.:^40 

93,600 


4,000 


270,000 

63,.580 

Aguas Calientes. 

20,000 

1!1. Tabasco. 

14,676 

San JAan Bautista... 

5.000 

ee: Califurnia Baja.. 

57,029 

12,000 

San Jos6... 

200 


61.243 

Colima. 

24,000 



80471 

Tlascala . 

13.000 

i!5. Federal District.. 

ioo 

200,000 

Mexico. 

180.000 


13. Agriculture, &c. —This is conducted without skill 
or industry ; yet the products of grain, fruits, sugar, cotton, 
&c., are considerable. The commerce is not extensive, and 
is chiefly carried on by foreigners. Gold, silver, hides, 
cochineal, vanilla, and jalap, are the chief exports. Manu¬ 
factures of cotton, wool, tobacco, and ornaments in gold and 
silver, exist. Mining is their great and absorbing pursuit. 

14. Inhabitants.— About one-fifth of the inhabitants 
are whites, who are of Spanish origin ; two-fifths are In¬ 
dians ; and the remainder are mixed races—that is, mulat- 
toes, or mestizoes. The descendants of Europeans, born in 
thespountry, are called creoles. The Indians, to a great 
extent, have become civilized. They are, however, in a 
depressed state, being poor and degraded. A large part 
of them are held in a kind of slavery, called peonage. 

ducts? Q. Minerals? 9. Climate? 1.0. Soil? 11. Face of the 
ccnintry ? 12. Divisions ? 13. Ayriculture ? 14. Inhabitants ? 






















































































148 


MEXICO. 


Their masters get them in debt, and thus obtain a control 
over them, for the purposes of servitude. Like their ances¬ 
tors, they are fond of flowers, and display great mechani¬ 
cal ingenuity. In the northern part of Mexico, there are 



largest towns in America. Its streets are regular, and 
many of the public and private buildings are in a style of 
great magnificence. It contains ripwards of one hundred 
churches, many of them adorned in a costly manner with 
gold and silver. The valley around tlie city is beautifully 
cultivated, and affords a delightful picture, when contrasted 
witli the snow-capped volcanic mountains that encircle it. 
On Lake Tezcuco, Avhich is near the city, are extensive float¬ 
ing gardens, which supply the place with fruit and vege¬ 
tables. Formerly, the lake surrounded the city, but it has 
gradually shrunk, so that the water is three miles from it. 
Puebla, 70 miles from Mexico ; Zacatecas, miles north¬ 
west of Mexico, in the center of the silver region; Gua- 
dalaxara, Tampico, Acapulco, Matamoras, <fec., are impor¬ 
tant towns. Vera Cruz is the chief port upon the Gulf 
of Mexico. San Bias, on the Pacific, is a naval station, but 
very unhealthy. Tehuantepec, on a small river of the same 
name, is near the spot where it is proposed to unite the 
Atlantic and Pacific by a canal, of which the river Coazacu- 
alco and some lakes would form a part. The distance across 
is about 40 miles. 

21. Distances from City of Mexico to 


many tribes which roam over the country, and are in a sav¬ 
age state. The Indians mingle some of their ancient Mex- 
ican idolatries with the Catholic ceremonies. The whites 
retain a good deal of the original Spanish character: they 
are fond of show, and addicted to expensive pleasures ; to 
bull-fights and religious processions. 

15. Drink. — pulque, derived from the agave, takes 
the place of cider. When distilled, it is an intoxicating bev¬ 
erage, called mexical. 

16. Food. —The Mexicans live, to a great extent, upon 
vegetables. The various fruits form a large part of their 
food. The manioc, Avhich yields cassava and tapioca, is 
greatly used. 



Cathedral m the city of Mexico. 


IV. Religion.— The Roman Catholic religion is estab¬ 
lished by law, and no other is tolerated. It is said that the 
church lands are valued at ninety millions of dollars. 

18. Government. —Mexico is a republic. The chief 
officer is a president, elected for five years. The general 
legislature consists of a senate and house of representa¬ 
tives, chosen by Mexicans having each an income of two 
hundred dollars. 

19. Army and Navy. — The army numbers about 
20,000, Avith 30,000 enrolled militia. The navy comprises 
three steam frigates, five small vessels, and several gun¬ 
boats. 

20. Chief Towns. —^The citg of Mexico is one of the 


Washington . 2750 miles. I Acapulco-270 miles. Tehuantepec. 500miles. 

Popocatepetl. 44 “ Vera Cruz... 255 “ Carapeachy.. 640 “ 

Orizava. 156 “ 1 Jalapa. 180 “ Merida. 720 “ 

22. Education.— The greater part of the people are 
in a state of deplorable ignorance. Most of the clergy are 
ill educated. Some of the sons of the rich are sent to 
Europe or the United States for instruction. Females are 
taught little but drawing and needleAvork. 

23. History. —Soon after the Spaniards had discovered 
America, they heard vague rumors of a rich empire to the 
west of the Gulf of Mexico. In 1519, Fernando Cortez 
went thither with about 600 men. He found Mexico to 
consist of a great kingdom, under the government of a 
king named Montezuma. The population of the country 
was supposed to be eight millions. The inhabitants had 
made great progress in civilization. They built large cities, 
with lofty pyramids, temples, and palaces. They cut the 
hardest stone, smelted and Avrought copper, gold, and sil¬ 
ver, recorded events by paintings, and had a correct calen- 



Ancient temple of Mexico, 


dar. There existed a regular gradation of ranks in the 
empire ; the pride and poAver of the nobles contrasting with 
the slavish condition of the people. Tenochtitlan, the 
capital, on the site of the modern city of Mexico, Avas built 
in the midst of a lake, had regular streets, and a market- 


- \5. Drink? 1.G.Food? 1.1. Religion? 18. Government? 19. 


Army and navy ? 20. Chief Towns? 21.. Distances from Mexico? 


































































MEXICO. 


149 


square, often containing 50,000 people. The population 
was 300,000. The city was connected witli the mainland 
by causeways of earth and stone, one of which was seven 
miles long. Tlie palace of the emperor was magnificent. 
The chief temple was of vast extent; and here the bloody 
rites of Mexican superstition were performed. Human vic¬ 
tims, consisting of captives taken in war, were here sacri¬ 
ficed in such numbers as to make the place seem like a 
slaughter-house. On the lake around Mexico were hun¬ 
dreds of floating gardens, covered with flowers and vegeta¬ 
bles. One hundred thousand canoes plied upon its waters ; 
and along its borders were no less than fifty cities. Cortez 
having obtained information of the wealth of this empire, 
determined to proceed to the capital. Persuading large 
numbers of the Tlascalans to join his little army, he marched 
towards Mexico. As he approached, Montezuma sent him 
rich presents, and endeavored to persuade him to quit 
the country. He, however, advanced boldly; and, as he 
entered the capital, was received with imposing ceremo¬ 
ny by the king. Nothing could exceed the astonishment 
of the Spaniards at witnessing the abundance of gold, 
silver, and precious stones in the city. Incited by avarice, 
Cortez laid his plans deeply, and proceeded to overturn the 
empii’e. He seized the person of the king, who soon after 
died of a wound. A fierce contest followed, and the Span¬ 
iards were driven from the city. They speedily returned, 
.and, aided by their Indian allies, made themselves masters 
of the place. The great empire of Montezuma fell to 



Mexican Soldiers. 


pieces, and the whole territory became a Spanish province. 
Thus it continued for nearly 300 years. In 1810, the Mex¬ 
icans rose against the Spanish dominion ; and, after nearly 
ten years of varying fortune, they became independent. In 
1824, they adopted a constitution similar to' that of the 
United States. Notwithstanding this, it has been perpet¬ 
ually distracted by civil war, promoted by rival military 
leaders aiming at dominion. Texas separated itself from 
the republic in 1835, and Yucatan in 1841. In 1846, 
Mexico became involved in a war with the United States, 
chiefly owing to a dispute about Texas. Severe bat¬ 
tles were fought at Palo Alto on the 8th of May, and at 
Resaca de la Palma on the 9th. In both of these the Amer¬ 
icans, led by General Taylor, were victorious. Monterey, 
a large town in the north, near the Rio Grande, capitulated 
to the Americans on the 24th. In March, 1847, the town 
and castle of Vera Cruz were taken, and General Scott 
marched toward the capital. At Cerro Gordo he obtained 


a complete victory over the enemy, on the l7th of April. 
Thence he marched onward, successively occupying the 
cities of Jalapa and Puebla. Nearly all the towns on the 
coast were now in the possession of the Americans. On 
the 17th of February, General Taylor, with 4000 men, met 
Santa Anna at Buena Vista with 20,000, beating and scat¬ 
tering the entire force. In August, General Scott ap¬ 
proached the capital. Several desperate battles followed ; 
but on the 15th of September the Americans entered 
Mexico, and took- possession of that capital. Negotiations 
followed, and peace was ratified in 1848. By this the Rio 
Grande and Gila were fixed as the boundaries between the 
two countries, giving to the United States the importai t 
territories of New Mexico, Utah, and Upper California. 

24. Ancient History* —The Mexicans, in the time 
of Cortez, had a recorded history which reported that the 
first inhabitants of the country came from the north ; doubt¬ 
less, across Behring’s Straits. Settling down in the Mexican 
valley, they became a rich and civilized people, cultivating 
the soil, building cities, and fostering various arts. These 
were called Toltecs. After a time they were driven south¬ 
ward by a warlike people from the north, called Aztecs. 
These established themselves in the country, and founded 
the Mexican empire of Montezuma. 

25. Antiquities. —The Spaniards destroyed most of 
the Mexican records, or picture-writings, superstitiously re¬ 
garding them as cabalistic. A few of these, however, re¬ 
main, which show that they recorded events by paintings on 
skins. An ancient calendar was found, carved in porphyry ; 
besides many other curious relics of ancient art. The terri¬ 
tory of Mexico is scattered over with interesting vestiges 
of the ancient inhabitants. Among these is the Pyra¬ 
mid of Cholula, which is the largest of the kind in the 
world. Pyramids or teoccelli are still numerous, most of 
which are supposed to be the work of the Aztecs. There 
are interesting ruins at Mitla, twenty-six miles east of Oaxaca. 
Near Palenque, on the border of Yucatan, are the ruins of 
a great city, among which are many beautiful and inter¬ 
esting sculptures. These, with other ruins in Guatimala 
and Yucatan, were, probably, the work of the Toltecs, who 
established themselves here after their expulsion from the 
Mexican valley. 

26. Yucatan. —the richest of the Mexican states, is 
a peninsula between the bays of Campeachy and Hondu¬ 
ras. It is a level country, parched with drought at one 
season, and inundated by water at another. It abounds in 
cattle, and produces sugar, coffee, and diamonds. Merida 
is the capital. Uxmal, 45 miles southeast, presents ruins 
of a city whose history is lost in the obscurity of past ages. 
The remains of one edifice are 640 feet long, and 410 wide, 
and are elaborately sculptured. The people of Yucatan 
have several times declared themselves independent. 

27. The Balize —is a strip of land, along the east 
side of Yucatan, where the British have a colony. The 
country produces logwood, fustic, braziletto, sarsaparilla, 
cedar, cotton, indigo, (fee. Wild animals, birds, fish, and 
turtle are abundant. The inhabitants are chiefly Indians 
and negroes. The government is carried on by a superin¬ 
tendent appointed % the queen, with magistrates elected 
by the people. The white inhabitants are few. Balize, 
the capital, has a large trade, and is surrounded by a cocoa- 
nut plantation. The population, chiefly composed of ne¬ 
groes, with some Indians, is about 10,000. 


22. Edwation? 23. History? War with the U.S.? 24. Ancient 


History? 25. Antiquities? 26. Yucatan? 27. 2'he Balizei 



































locoaiuitPt 


[oiikej^Pt. 


NICAl^ 


'onJiian. 


. O AY m 
Pt.Culebr^ 


C.BIanic'i 


.0^°^ 

/®vuce« 


SANTIAGi 


Cuuai 


,^PAJVAMA 


GUATIMALA, OR CENTRAL AMERICA. 




OF 


PA 


FA. 


Lesson LXXll I... Guatimala, or Central America. 

1. Characteristics. —This is a small state, lying be¬ 
tween the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, on the isthmus 
which unites North and South America. It is about 600 
miles long, and from 100 to 400 miles wide. 

2. mountains. —A lofty chain of mountains, forming 
a part of the great Mexican and Rochij Mountain Range, 
traverses the country. It extends along the western coast 
not far from the Pacific, and presents a series of twenty 
volcanic summits in constant activity. This part of the 
country is subject to the most tremendous convulsions of 
nature, which have buried cities in ruins, and destroyed 
whole tribes of people. The volcano of Agua, and that of 
Fuego, both near Guatimala, rise to the hight of from 
12,000 to 15,000 feet. 

3. Rivers. —The larsfest rivers flow down the eastern 
declivity of the mountains into the Caribbean Sea. There 
are none of great extent, but several are navigable. The 
Motagua flows through the state of Guatimala; the San 
Juan, sixty miles long, forms the outlet of Lake Nicaragua. 

4. Cakes. — Lake Nicaragua, 120 miles in length by 
41 in breadth, is navigable for the largest vessels, and re¬ 
ceives the waters of Lake Leon, which is ten miles to the 
northw;fst, by a navigable river. Lake Leon is but five 
miles from the Tosta, which runs into the Pacific Ocean. 
In tfie state of Guatimala is Lake Yzibal, communicating 

\ ' O 

with the Bay of Honduras. 

5. Coasts and. Bays. —To the north, between Hon¬ 
duras and the Mexican state of Yucatan, lies the large 
Bay of Honduras, the navigation of which is rendered 
dangerous by numerous reefs and keys. On this bay is the 
English settlement of Balize : to the east, extending along 
the Caribbean Sea for 300 miles, is the territory of the 
Mosquito Indians. 

6. Soil, Climate, Prodncts, dec. —The soil is, in 
general, good ; the climate exhibits the same variety as 


in the Mexican States. The productions of agriculture 
are also similar, including indigo, tobacco, cochineal, cotton, 
wheat, maize, Ac. Among the nativ'e vegetation, are ma¬ 
hogany, cedar, logwood. Brazil-wood, dragon’s-blood, mas¬ 
tic, and various balsamic and medicinal plants. Tamarinds, 
cassia, pepper, and ginger, are cultivated. The fruits are 
various and abundant. 

1. Animals.— Amonof these are the American tiofer, 
wolf, tapir, wild goat, wild boar, zorillo, and smaller quad¬ 
rupeds. Alligators and serpents infest the wooded coasts. 
Birds of beautiful plumage abound. Locusts and ants 
appear in millions. The domestic animals are numerous, 
being easily raised on the table-lands. 

8. minerals.— -Gold and silver abound, especially in 
the states of Honduras and Costa Rica ; copper, iron, lead, 
mica, zinc, and antimony are also plentiful. 

9. Face of the Country.— Guatimala consists of 
a triangular territory, with its longest line upon the Pacific. 
The Cordilleras, consisting of snow-capped peaks rising 
upon lofty table-lands, extend along the vhole western 
coast. On both sides, the country descends in terraces, 
spreading out into plains and low flats to the east. 

10. Bit^isions.—Central America is composed of five 
independent states, which are divided into partidos, or 
districts. 


States. Population. 

Gimtlm.nla. 850,000.. 

San S.Uvador. 3.50,000.. 

Ilondnrns. 3.50,0iK) , 

Nicaragua .••• .. 350.000.. 

Cosla Rica. 150,000.. 


Capitals. PopnUti, u. 

.Old Guatimala. SlO.iiOO 

• San Salvador. 40.(HI0 

. Comayagi .. 18,000 

.Leon. ‘.'s ((()(! 

. Siui Jos^. '■ . 110,000 


11. Canal.— A ship-canal is in progress, 278 milvs 
long, to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It begins 
at the mouth of the River San Juan, flowing between the 
stivtes of Nicaraguii and Costa Rica, and runs obliquely, 
northwest, to Realejo, on the Pacific. It is to be open to 
all nations, being under the guaranty of the United States,. 
Great Biitain, and the contiguous states of Costa Rica 


LSSSON LXXIII. 1. Characteristics of Ouatimala ? 6. Soil, climate, and products ? 7. Animals ? 8. Minerals ? 

2 Mountains? 3. Rivers? 4. Lakes? ^ 5. Coasts and bays? | Face of the country ? ^IlO. Divisions? 'Ll.. Canal? "LZ. 2'owns? 

























































r- • - - ■ - ' - . - 

THE WEST INDIES. 151 


and Nicaragua. It will extend through Lakes Nicaragua 
and Leon. This is now a common route of travel across 
the country. 

12. Chief Towns.— New Guatimala, the capital of 
the defunct lepublic, is in a fertile valley, which enjoys 
a delightful climate. It was built in 1774, in conse¬ 
quence. of the almost entire destruction of Old Guati- 
mala by an earthquake. The streets are broad, clean, 
and straight. The houses are generally low, on account of 
the frequency of earthquakes; they are provided with gardens 
and fountains. The cathedral, the government house, the 
archbishop’s palace, the mint, and several of the churches 
are handsome buildings. The commerce and manufactures 
of the city are extensive. Old Guatimala, capital of the 
state of Guatimala, has been several times destroyed by 
earthquakes, and lies between the volcanoes of Agua and 
Fuego. It suffered much from an earthquake in 1830. It 
formerly contained fifty or sixty churches, and several 
large convents, which are now in ruins. Its cathedral is 
one of the largest in America. Chiquimula, in the same 
state, is a place of large population. San Salvador, the 
capital of the state of the same name, is agreeably situ¬ 
ated in the midst of fine indigo and tobacco plantations, 
and has an active commerce and extensive manufactures. 
Coinayagua, the capital of Honduras, contains a college. 
Truxillo and Omoa, in the same state, have good harbors 
on the Bay of Honduras, but they are sickly. Leon, capi¬ 
tal of Nicaragua, is regularly laid out and handsomely 
built, and contains a university and a cathedral. Nicaragua 
is the second town in the state. Realejo has an excellent port. 
San Jos€ and Cartago are the principal towns of Costa Rica. 

13. Commerce. —Cochineal and indigo are the two 
staple productions, and furnish the largest articles of ex¬ 
port. Gold, silver, cocoa, dogwood, sarsaparilla, hides, 
tortoise-shell, and balsam of Tolu, are also exported. The 
trade is carried on chiefly through Balize, by the Ameri¬ 
cans and English. 

14. Inhabitants. —The inhabitants resemble those of 
the Mexican States ; about one-fifth are creoles, two-fifths 
mixed, and the remainder Indians, with a few negroes. 
Slavery is abolished. In the cities, the manners resemble 
those of Spain. The ladies wear the mantilla, and go 
abroad veiled. An embroidered veil, costly fan, and valu¬ 
able jewels, are the pride of the ladies. The men love to 
ride on horses with rich trappings. The country people 
are poor, simple, and quiet—consisting mostly of Indians. 

15. Religion. —The Catholic religion is established by 
law. 

16. Government. —This was copied from that of the 
United States; but the General Government has now not 
even a nominal existence—the several states acting, in 
most matters, for themselves. Their governments are 
ostensibly republican. 

17. Edncalion. —A few of the upper classes have a 
tolerable education, but the masses are in the most abject 
state of ignorance. 

18. History. —This country was conquered by Alva¬ 
rado, who was sent hither immediately after the conquest 
of Mexico, by Cortez, in 1523. The natives, called 
Quiches, lived in cities, and some ruins of their works are 
yet visible. They had advanced nearly as far as the Mexi¬ 
cans in the arts. They made strenuous resistance to the 

13. Cmnmerce? 14. Inhabitantx ? 15. Religion? 16. Govern¬ 

ment? 17. Education? 18. History? 19 Mosquito Territory? 


Spaniards, but without avail. The province was erected 
by the Spaniards into a captain-generalship, by the name 
of Guatimala, and continued dependent upon Spain until 
1821, when it declared itself independent. A constitution 
was adopted in 1824, but w%as annulled in 1846. 

19. Mosquito Territory, or Mosquitia.— This is 
an extensive strip of land lying along the southeastern shore 
of the Bay of Honduras, and extending southward 300 miles 
along the Caribbean Sea. The people appear to be mostly 
in a state of barbarism, though the king has treaties with 
Great Britain, and is under her protection. The govern¬ 
ment is chiefly administered by the British residents. The 
land is fertile, and yields logwood, cotton, cacao, sugar, &c. 
The capital is Blewfields. 


Lesson LXXIV... West Indies. 

1. Characteristics. —The West Indies consist of nu¬ 
merous islands, lying between the Gulf of Mexico, the 
Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. They are com¬ 
posed of several clusters, known under the names of the 
Bahamas, the Greater Antilles (including Cuba, Hayti, 
Porto Rico, and Jamaica), the Lesser Antilles, and the 
Carihhee Lslands. We shall also include here a view of the 
Be'rmudas, lying far to the north. 

2. Productions. —The West Indies abound in all the 
productions of warm climates ; the fruits are shaddocks, 
oranges, lemons, pine-apples, bananas, plantains, &c. ; ma¬ 
nioc, yams, maize, &c., with sugar, guava, cocoa, cotton, 
coffee, indigo, tobacco, &c., furnish important articles ol 
food or of commerce. The forests contain mahogany, lig- 
num-vitse, iron-wood, and other woods useful in the arts. 

3. Climate. —The climate of these islands is for a 
great part of the year mild and pleasant, the heat being in 
some measure moderated by the uniform length of the 
nights, and by refreshing sea-breezes. The seasons are 
divided between the wet and the dry ; the former, occur¬ 
ring in May and October, are of short continuance, and 
during the rest of the year the sky is clear, and the nights 
remarkable for their brilliancy. 

4. Hurricaues. —In the interval between the months 
of August and October, the islands are visited by those 
terrible stonns, called hurricanes, to which the regions of 
the torrid zone are liable. They begin in various ways, 
but are in general preceded by a profound calm ; this is 
soon followed by a chaos of warring elements, lightning 
and thunder, rain, hail, and impetuous blasts of wind, 
which move with a sw iftness exceeding that of a csftinon- 
ball. Corn, vines, forests, and houses are swept away 
before their violence, which, however, is but of short dura¬ 
tion. These tempests are supposed to be of electric origin, 
and they serve the purpose of purifying the atmosphere. 

5. Animals. —The native quadrupeds of the West 
Indies, when first discovered, included the agouti, peccary, 
raccoon, alco, or native Indian dog, and the wild boar. 
These are nearly extinct. Monkeys and lizards of various 
kinds are found. Sea-turtle are common along the shores. 
Macaws, parrots, wild Guinea-fowl, quails, pigeons, water- 
fowl, the humming-bird, mocking-bird, &c., are common. 

6. Inhabitants. —The native race^ of these islands 
are now extinct. When first discovered by the Spaniards, 

LESSON LXXIV. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Productions ? 

3. Climate? 4. Hurricanes? 5. Animals? 6. Inhabitants? 














152 


THE WEST INDIES. 



Sugar Farm in the West Indiee. 


they were inhabited by two distinct nations : the Arro- 
^c-auks, a mild, peaceful, and numerous people, who had 
made some advances in civilization, occupied the Bahamas 
and the Great Antilles ; and the Caribs, a fierce and war¬ 


like race, inhabited the more southerly isles. At a later 
period, many of the islands have, at different times, be¬ 
longed to different European nations, and in some of them 
there is a strange mi.xture of people and languages. All, 
e.xcept Hayti, still belong to European powers, and, except¬ 
ing the English colonies, contain a large proportion of negro 
slaves. The whites are either Europeans or creoles, and 
form, comparatively, but a small part of the population. 
The different mixed races are numerous. It is probable 
that the population was greater at the time of their dis¬ 
covery than at present. 

7. Political Condition, Extent, Population, 

&c. —The following table gives a view of the several islands; 


Inlands. 

To whom be- 
longing. 






Independent. 
Great Britain. 
















.... . 


_fin. 













Guadaloupe. 

France . 

..fif»_ 

Marieiraliknte. 




Denmark .... 

. . do . 

St. Thomas . 







St. Bartholomew . 

Sweden. 

Venezuela... 



Extent. 

54.000 

4.140 

28,000 

6,400 

160 

1,600 

93 

109 

131 

70 

29 

225 

140 

20 

47 


5,500 

675 

370 


100 

40 


Populal’n. 

1,200.000 

375,000 

800.000 

375.000 

102,000 

45,000 

36,000 

25,000 

26,001 

24,000 

20,000 

18,(M)0 

14,000 

12,000 

8,000 

7,000 

3,000 

18.000 

10,000 

124.0<K) 

119,000 

11,500 

1,500 

34.000 

10.000 

3,000 

20,(K)0 

12.000 

11,000 

8,000 

16,000 


Capital Town*. 

Havana. 

St. John’s. 

Port au Prince - • 

Kingston. 

Bridgetown.... 

Port Spain. 

St. John's. 

St. George. 

Kingston. 

Basse Terre.... 

Roseau. 

Castries. 

Scarborough... 
Charlestown . •. 

Plymouth. 

Road Harbor .. 

Nassau. 

St. George. 

Bitsse Terre-•• • 

St. Pierre.. 

Basse Terre.... 

Christianstadt-.. 
St. Thomas - - • • 

The Bay.. 

VVillelmstadt 


Gnstavia . 
Parapatar. 


PopulAt’n. 

135,000 

30,000 

18,000 

32,000 

20,000 

13,000 

3,000 

4,769 

6,500 

5,000 

2,400 

1,806 


7,000 

3,000 

12,414 

12,000 


5,000 


7,000 


Lesson LXXV...View of the Separate Islands. 


1. Bahamas. —The Bahama or Lucaya Islands are 
a group lying to the southeast of Florida, from which 
they are separated by the Florida channel. They consist 
of about 650 islands and keys. The principal islands 
or groups, in passing from the southern to the northern 
extremity, are the following : 


1. Turk’s Islands, 

2. Caicos, 

3. Heneagns, 

4. Mayaguuna, 

5. Crooked Island Group, 


6. Long Lsland, 

7. Wallings, 

8. The Exiimas, 

9. San Salvador, 
10. Eleuthera, 


11. Providence, 

12. Andros, 

13. Lucaya, or Aboco, 

14. Bahama. 


These islands belong to Great Britain, and have a popula¬ 
tion of about 18,000—three-fourths free blacks. JSfassau, 
the capital, is a flourishing town on the island of Provi¬ 
dence. The salt-ponds of Turk’s Islands supply great 
quantities of salt, which is obtained by evaporation. His¬ 
tory .—The first land discovered by Columbus in America, 
was one of the Bahamas, called Guanahani, now Cat 
Island. The Spaniards were received in a friendly manner 
by the natN’es, who appear to have been a simple, inof¬ 
fensive race, living happily in the midst of abundant fruits, 
which hardly required cultivation. The Bahamas remained 
uninhabited till 1629, when a settlement was made by the 
English at New Providence. In 1641, the colony was 
destroyed by the Spaniards. It was again settled in 1666, 
by the English ; but in 1703, the inhabitants were put to 
flight by the French and Spaniards. After this, for a time, 
the islands became the retreat of desperate bands of 
pirates. New Providence was restored by the English in 
1718, and fortified in 1740. It has since continued in the 
hands of Great Britain, except that it was held for a short 
time by the Americans during the Revolutionary war. 

2. Bermudas. —To the northeast lie the Bermudas, a 
group of small islands of difficult access, and visited by 
terrible storms. Though not strictly belonging to the 
West Indies, these will be described here. They have a 
beautiful climate, and the soil yields every variety of trop¬ 
ical vegetation. The seas around are stored -with fish, tur- 


7. Folitical condition of Cuba? Porto Rico? Hayti? dte., <kc 


liESSOIT V. 1. The Bahamas ? Their history ? 






























































































































r- 


THE WEST INDIES. 153 


tie, and whales. The oysters on the rocks sometimes con¬ 
tain pearls. The nearest land to the Bermudas is North 
Carolina, from which they are 600 miles distant. They 
contairi about 10,000 inhabitants. The capital, St. George, 
has a population of 3000 ; and the English, to whom these 
islands belong, have a naval and military station there. 
History. —These islands were discovered by Juan Bermuda, 
a Spaniard, who touched there in 1522. He found the 
islands entirely without inhabitants. Sir George Somers 
was wrecked here in 1609, on his way to Virginia. The 
party built two small vessels of cedar—one being entirely 
without iron, except a bolt in the keel. With these they 
proceeded to Virginia. Two sailors were left behind, who 
three years after were found, by a company of English who 
settled here, to be in good condition. The colony pros¬ 
pered; but in 1616, the rats became unusually numerous, 
and nearly desolated the islands. Five years after, they 
suddenly disappeared. In 1629, the population had in¬ 
creased to one thousand. A few years later, they num¬ 
bered 10,000. Since their settlement, the Bermudas have 
remained in the hands of the Enadish. 

O 



The Shaddock Tree. 


3. Cuba.— The largest and most valuable of the West 
India islands is Cuba, which belongs to Spain. It extends 
nearly from Florida to ITucatan, being separated from the 
one by the Florida stream, and from the other by the Cuba 
channel. It is 780 miles in length, and about 52 in mean 
breadth. Population, 800,000 :—300,000 are whites ; 
300,000 negro slaves; and 200,000 free blacks. More 
than four-fifths of the surface is composed of low lands, but 
it is traversed in various directions by ranges of mountains, 
some of which rise to the hight of 7675 feet. There are no 
rivers of much magnitude, and some parts of the country 
are subject to droughts, yet the soil is in general fertile. 
The common cereal or bread grasses are cultivated with 
success, and the various tropical productions are abundant. 
The principal articles of export are tobacco, coffee, sugar, 
wax, and fruits. The tobacco is every where celebrated for 
its aromatic quality. The annual value of exports is about 
twenty millions of dollars. towns. — Havana, the 

capital and principal city of the island, situated on the north- 
I ern coast, is one of the largest and richest cities in America, 

I 2. The Bermudas? Their history ? 3. Cuba? Chief towns? Its 

20 


and has one of the best harbors in the world. The public 
buildings are less remarkable for beauty than for solidity, 
and the streets are, in general, narrow, dirty, and unpaved. 
There are, however, fine public walks, and the palace of 
the governor, the theater, and some of the private houses, 
are handsome edifices. The entrance of the port is defended 
by two forts, and there are several other military works, 
which render Havana one of the strongest places in the 
world. Its commerce is extensive. Owing to the heat of 
the climate, and the filth of the town, strangers are exposed 
to the fatal effects of the yellow fever or black vomit, par¬ 
ticularly in August and September. Tlie environs are 
healthy. Sixty miles east of Havana is Matanzas, a flour¬ 
ishing place, with a fine harbor, a healthy situation, and an 
extensive and increasing commerce. Puerto Principe, lying 
in the interior, is remarkable only for its narrow, winding, 
and filthy streets. On the southern coast is Santiago, a 
flourishing place, with an extensive commerce. Its harbor is 
excellent, but the town is unhealthy. Trinidad is a well- 
built place, on the southern coast. Batavano, a seaport, 
also on the southern coast, is connected by a railroad with 
Havana. History .—Cuba Avas discovered by Columbus on 
his first A'oyage, in 1492. It was then Acry populous, the 
people being nearly in the same condition as those of His¬ 
paniola. In 1511, the Spaniards began their settlements 
here ; and in a feAV years, they exterminated nearly all the 
nativ’es. Hav’ana Avas founded early in the sixteenth cen¬ 
tury, and soon became a thriving commercial place. This 
city Avas for a long period the chief mart of the Spanish 
West India trade, and Avas repeatedly attacked by enemies. 
The buccaneers laid it under contribution in the sixteenth 
century. The most memorable capture of the place Avas 
by the British, in 1762, Avhen the conquerors obtained a 
booty of $15,000,000. Hav'ana Avas restored to Spain in 
1763. Since this time, Cuba has remained in the quiet 
possession of that poAver. Its fertility renders it invaluable 
as a source of revenue to the mother country. It is stated 
that this island nearly supports the Spanish government, 
A portion of the inhabitants are said to be dissatisfied with 
the goA’erament; and relying upon this, in 1850, a band of 
one or two thousand men, led by a Cuban exile, named 
Lopez, sailed from Noav Orleans, for the purpose of invad¬ 
ing and revolutionizing the island. A party of about four 
hundred landed at Cardenas in June, but were soon forced 
to depart. A similar attempt, in July, 1851, was wholly 
broken up; and Gen. Lopez and many of his men were 
executed. 

4. Porto Rico. —This also belongs to Spain, and is the 
most easterly of the Great Antilles. It is 110 miles in 
length, by 36 in breadth. It has a fine climate and a fer¬ 
tile soil, and is, like Cuba, in a flourishing condition. The 
principal productions are coffee, sugar, and tobacco. St. 
John, or San Juan de Puerto Rico, the capital, on the 
northern coast of the island, with a spacious, secure, and 
strongly fortified harbor, has considerable commerce. Gua- 
yania, on the southern coast, is an important commercial 
toAvn. History. —Porto Rico was discovered by Columbus 
in his second voyage, in 1493. Juan Ponce de Leon 
planted a colony here in 1509. The natives, Avho were 
supposed to have amounted to at least 600,000, shared the 
fate of the inhabitants of Hispaniola, and soon disappeared, 
under the oppressions and persecutions of their Spanish 
masters. Although inferior to none of the other parts of 

history ? 4. Porto Pico ? Chief towns ? Capital ? Its history f 


























I 154 THE WEST INDIES. 



Interior of a Sugar Mill. 


the West Indies in fertility, this island was long neglected by 
Spain. In the latter part of the seventeenth century, it 
was taken by the English, but soon after abandoned. The 
Spaniards took possession of it, and it has since continued 
as one of their colonies. A revolutionary movement was 
made in 1820, but was suppressed in 1823. 

5. llayti.— Hayti, the second of the Great Antilles, in 
point of size and population, formerly belonged to France 
and Spain, the former holding the Avestem, and the latter 
the eastern and larger portion of the island. It was knoAvn 
under the names of St. Domingo and Hispaniola. Since 
1822, the whole has formed an independent state of blacks, 
the slaves having risen against their white masters, and ex¬ 
pelled them from the island. The territory is diAuded into 
six departments. With a fine climate and a fertile soil, 
watered by several considerable rivers, wdiich descend from 
the central chain of mountains, and having an extensive sea- 
coast and excellent harbors, nothing but a continuance of 
free institutions, and the diffusion of intelligence among the 
people, is wanting, to secure it a respectable rank among 
independent nations. Fort o.u Prince, capital of the re¬ 
public, is situated on a gulf on the Avestern coast of the 
island, and has a safe and coiiA-enient harbor. The streets 
are well laid out, but the buildings are rather ordinary. 
The president’s house is a handsome structure, and here are 
a lyceum, hospital, and several literary institutioJis. The 
commerce is extensive. Capte Haytien, formerly Cape Fran- 
^.ais, is the handsomest city on the island. It has a fine 
harbor, Avith a flourishing commerce. Its broad, straight 
streets are ornamented Avith squares and fountains, and the 
private houses and public buildings are in good taste. St. 
Domingo, on the southern coast, is a well-built city, con¬ 
taining, among other noted public edifices, a noble cathedral, 
an arsenal, remarkable for its extent, the palace Avhich Avas 
once occupied by the Spanish governor, Ac. It has much 
declined since the expulsion of the Spaniards. Les Cages, or 
.^ux Cages, is one of the most important commercial places 

5. llayti ? Chief towns ? What of the Buccaneers ? What of 


on the island. It Avas destroyed by a hurricane in 1831. 
Jacmel, Jeremie,miA SavanmlaAfar are places of some trade. 
History. —Saint Domingo Avas the first island occupied by 
the Spaniards. Columbus found it thronged with people, 
living in a happy state of ignorance, simplicity, and tran¬ 
quillity. He founded a colony on his first visit ; but, on his 
return, he found that the men had all perished by the hands 
of the Indians, Avhose vengeance they had provoked by their 
folly and crimes. Other settlements Avere afterwards made 
by the Spaniards. They then proceeded to subjugate the 
natives, hunting them doAvn as if they were Avild beasts. 
They forced them to pay tribute, and compelled thousands 
of them to labor on the land, or work in the mines. Har¬ 
assed and oppressed beyond endurance, the despairing 
natiATS fled before their masters to the mountains. Pursued 
by dogs, and shot doAvn by the soldiers, they rapidly Avasted 
aAA'ay, and, in the space of about half a century, nearly every 
vestige of the nation, consisting of a million of human beings, 
had disappeared from the island. Having thus exterminated 
the natives, and exhausted the gold mines, the Spaniards 
nearly deserted Hispaniola, being draAvn by richer plunder 
to other quarters. In this state, it became exposed to the 
ravages of the Buccaneers, Avho came here in pursuit of Avild 
cattle. DriA'en from the island, these laAvless adventurers 
planted tliemselves upon the contiguous island of Tortuga. 
Here their numbers increased, being recruited by desperate 
men from the maritime countries of Europe. They noAv 
ceased to be cattle hunters, and proceeded to attack vessels 
Avhich they found at sea, displaying the most fearless and 
desperate courage. They soon had sufficient numbers to 
undertake distant and formidable expeditions. In 1597, 
they captured Carthagena. At a later period, they attacked 
and took several of the principal cities around the Gulf 
of Mexico. At length their strength began to decline ; and 
toAvard the end of the seA^enteenth century, the association 
had AAfliolly ceased. After the expulsion of the Buccaneers 
from Hispaniola, the French made settlements there ; and 

Toussaint L’ Ouverlure ? What is the present condition of Hayti t 


.1 


































































THE WEST INDIES. 


155 


at length, in 1697, the court of Spain ceded to France the 
western half of the island, the eastern portion continuing to 
be occupied by the Spanish settlers. Such was the state of 
things at the commencement of the French revolution. The 

O 

National Assembly abolished slavery in all the French colo¬ 
nies. Excited by a wild impulse, the slaves of Saint Do¬ 
mingo were thrown into a state of insurrection. A scene of 
fearful bloodshed and desolation followed. All the whites 
in the island either fled or 
were massacred. Toussaint 
L’Ouverture, who had been a 
slave, gained an ascendancy, 
and, for a brief period, main¬ 
tained a government. He was 
beguiled by the French, how¬ 
ever, and being taken to Franee, 
was left to die in prison. A 
French army of 20,000 men 
was now sent to conquer 
the island ; but the enterprise Toussaint VOuverture. 

proved abortive. A black leader, named Dessalines, next 
made himself emperor of the island. It was subsequently 
divided into two governments—a monarchy, under King 
Christophe, and a republic, under President Petion. In 
1822, the whole country was formed into a republic, 
under the name of Ilayti, Soulouque, a mulatto, who 
was born a slfive, was the last president. In 1849 he 
caused himself to be proclaimed emperor, under the title 
of Faustin I .; and the republic was changed into a 
monarchy. 



Earthquake at Jamaica. 


6. Jamaica. —Jamaica is the largest and most import¬ 
ant of the Encjlish West India colonies. It is about 150 
miles in lengtli, by 50 in breadth. The surface is much 
diversified. • The Blue Mountains, which run through the 
island from east to west, rise to the hight of 7500 feet. On 
the north, the acclivity is gentle, and numerous fine vales 
are interspersed. Here every valley has its rivulet, and 
every hill its cascade. On the south, the surface is more 
broken. The soil is in general productive, and is well 
watered by about one hundred rapid streams, some of which 
are navigable for boats. The heat is tempered by the sea 
breezes and the inequalities of surface, and the vegetable 
productions are various and abundant. Spanish Town, the 
capital, is on a small river, a few miles from the southern 
coast. Kingston, the principal town on the island, is well 
built, with broad, straight streets, handsome houses, and an 


excellent harbor. Its commerce is extensive. Most of 
the population are blacks. Port Royal is also a place of 
extensive commerce, and is remarkable for the strength 
of its military works. It has suffered much from earth¬ 
quakes. Population, 15,000. Montego Bay, on the north¬ 
ern coast, has a good harbor and considerable commerce, 
with about 4000 inhabitants. History. —Jamaica was dis¬ 
covered by Columbus in his second voyage ; but the Span¬ 
iards not finding any gold here, paid little attention to 
the island. Oliver Cromwell dispatched an English fleet to 
invade Hispaniola ; but this attempt being unsuccessful, an 
attack was next made upon Jamaica, and the island was 
captured by the English. Under their government, Jamaica 
soon rose to importance. Port Royal, the capital, became 
a rich mart of commerce. At the close of the seventeenth 
century, it was, with the exception of Mexico and Lima, the 
most splendid and opulent city in the western world. In 
the hight of its prosperity, a dreadful earthquake destroyed 
the place, burying thousands of its inhabitants in the ruins, 
and ingulfing millions of wealth in the sea. Since its first 
acquisition by the English, this island has remained in their 
power, although its tranquillity has been frequently disturbed 
by wars with the Maroons, or runaway negroes. In conse¬ 
quence of an act of the British parliament for the abolition 
of slavery throughout the colonies, taking effect in 1834, 
the negroes of Jamaica became free in 1838. 



Cultivating- the Sugar Cane. 


7. Smaller Islands. —These are as follows: 

Trinidad is a fertile and beautiful island near the coast ot 
Venezuela, with' a delightful and healthy climate. It is 
seventy-nine miles long by fifty-six broad. It has a remark¬ 
able lake, half a mile across, covered Avi'th pitch. Around 
the edges, this is hard, but softens toward the middle, where 
it boils up in a liquid state. History. —This island was 
discovered by Columbus in 1498, when it Avas very popu¬ 
lous. It Avas colonized by the Spaniards in 1588, taken by 
the French in 1676, soon after restored, and captured by 
the British in 1791, Avho have since retained it. Tobago, a 
small island to the north of Trinidad, has a fine climate and 
fertile soil. History. —This island was discovered by Co¬ 
lumbus in 1498 ; Avas colonized by the Dutch, and next by 
the Courlanders. AfterAvard, it came to the French, Avho 



6. Jamaica ? Chief towns ? Its history ? When was slavery abol¬ 


ished in her colonies by Great Britain ? 7. Other English islands f 


















































156 


THE WEST INDIES. 


ceded it to Great Britain in 1763. Grenada is another 
small island, whose capital, Georgetown, has a good harbor. 
History. —This island was discovered by Columbus in 1498, 
settled by the French in 16.50, and taken by the British in 
1762. Barba does, the 
most easterly of the 
W. I. islands, has a fer¬ 
tile soil. Bridgetown, 
the capital, is a flour¬ 
ishing place. His¬ 
tory. —This island had 
no aboriginal popula¬ 
tion, though it ap¬ 
pears the Caribs oc¬ 
casionally visited it. 

Its discovery is uncer- Bridsetown. 

tain. The English took possession of it in 1605, and colo¬ 
nized it in 1624. During the civil wars in England, about 
the year 1650, the population rapidly increased. Although 
afflicted at different times Avith eartlujuakes, pestilence, 
insurrection, and conflagration, the colony increased, and 
the island is now one of great importance. St. Vin¬ 
cent has a rugged and mountainous surface, and is well 
watered. It has been exposed to great ravages by the 
eruptions of a v'olcanic mountain, called the Souffriere or 
Sulphur Mountain. History. —The island was discovered 
by Columbus in 1498, at which time the natives Avere 
numerous, consisting of two races—one of Caribs, and the 
other resembling negroes, supposed to be the descendants 
of Africans av recked on the coast. The island Avas colonized 
by the French, but came to the English in 1763. The 
natives revolted, and five thousand Avere removed to Hon¬ 
duras. San Lucia has a healthy and agreeable climate, 
and the soil yields cocoa, fustic, sugar, and coffee. It Avas 
first discovered by the English, in 1635, but they Av'ere 
driven away by the Caribs. A settlement Avas effected by 
the French in 1650. After having changed hands several 
times between the English and French, it finally Avas taken 
by the English in 1804, and has since remained subject to 
the British croAvn. Dominica contains several volcanic 
mountains, and its forests produce a vai iety of ornamental 
Avoods. i^oseaw, the capita!,, has a fine harbor. Six miles 
from here, on the top of a h^gh mountain, is a fresh-Avater 
lake, with an area of several acres, in some parts unfathom¬ 
able. This* island was discoA'ered by Columbus in 1493. 
It was for a long time claimed by both France and Spain, 
till the English gained possession of it in 1759. It AV'as 
taken afteiAvard by the French, and belonged to them till 
1783, Avhen it AA-as restored to the British, and has since re¬ 
mained in their possession. Antigua contains a great num¬ 
ber of excellent harbors. It Avas discovered by Columbus 
in 1493. The first settlement was made in 1632, by the 
English. The French laid it Avaste in 1666, but it Av^as re¬ 
settled by the English, in whose possession it has since 
remained. St. Christopher, or St. Kitts, produces sugar, 
cotton, coffee, &c. It is healthy, but subject to earthquakes. 
It Avas discoA’ered by Columbus in 1493, and confirmed to 
Great Britain, by the treaty of Utrecht, in 1713. Montser¬ 
rat is mountainous, Avith a light, volcanic soil, and healthy 
climate. It produces excellent coffee and sugar. It Avas 
discovered by Columbus in 1493, colonized by the English 
in 1632, and confirmed to them in 1713. Nevis is a con¬ 
ical hill, Avith a marshy, fertile soil and healthy climate. It 



produces sugar, molasses, aiw rum. It was discovered by 
the English, and settled by\hem in 1628. Barbuda is a 
flat, fertile island, producing corn, pepper, and tobacco. It 
belongs to the Codrington family, and has a proprietary 
gOA'ernment—the only one in the West Indies. It Avas first 
settled from St. Kitts, soon after that island Av^as colonized. 
Anguilla, called Snake Island, from its crooked fomi, is 
flat, chalky, and not fertile, producing cotton, sugar, maize, 
and provisions. It has a salt lake, furnishing salt. It was 
colonized by the English in 1650, and has since been held 
by them. Tortola is one of the Virgin isles, Avhich belong 
to the English, Danes, and Spaniards. These are all small. 
Tortola is mountainous, Avith a thin soil, producing cotton, 
fruits, sugar, molasses, ire. 'A feAv other of the Virgin 
isles belong to Great Britain. Government. —The govern¬ 
ment of all the English isles is conducted by houses of 
assembly, chosen by a part of the inhabitants, and gover¬ 
nors and councils; appointed by the croAvn. The total popu¬ 
lation of the British West India islands is 700,000—one 
half being Avhites, and the rest blacks. SlaA^ery Avas abol¬ 
ished in the British colonies by hiAv, in 1834. 



The Bamboo 7^-00, common, in the West Indies. 

8. French Islands .—Martinique is one of the largest 
of the Caribee isles, being about fifty miles long and sixteen 
broad. It has often been visited by the yelloAV fever, by 
earthquakes, and by hurricanes. The surface is much 
broken, and there are some lofty summits. The capital, 
Fort Royal, is a small town. St. Pierre is the principal 
place, and carries on an extensive commerce. Martinique 
Avas discovered by the Spaniards in 1493, and was settled 
by the French in 1635. It Avas three times taken posses¬ 
sion of by England, but was finally restored in 1815. Jose¬ 
phine, the wife of Napoleon, was a nathe of this island. 
Guadaloupe is divided into two parts by a narroAV channel, 
called the Salt RiA^er. Basse Terre, on the Avestern divi¬ 
sion, is the capital, but the principal toAvn is Point d Pitre, 
on the eastern division, Avhich has a thriA'ing commerce, and 
contains 15,000 inhabitants. Population of the island, 
110,000; of which 10,000 are Avhites, and 97,000 slaA^es. 
Mariegalante and Deseada are small islands, dependent on 
Guadaloupe. Part of St. Martin belongs to France, and 
part to Holland. Guadaloupe, Avith its dependencies, has, 
in all respects, shared the fortunes of Martinique. 




1 


Vie histerry of the principal islands. Population of the 


British West Indies / IIow are they governed ? 8. French Islands / 































o 



THE WEST INDIES. 



Columbus discovering Quanahani. 


]57 


9. Danish Isles. — Santa Cruz, or Sainte Croix, is the 
principal Danish island. The small islands of St. Thomas and 
St. John are its dependencies. Christianstadt, the capital, 
on the island of Santa Cruz, has an active comme';oe. St. 
Thomas, on the island of the same name, is a small town, 
but. its commerce is extensive. Santa Cruz wa§;discovered 
by Columbus in his second voyage. The Dutch, English, 
French, Spanish, and Danes alternately possessed it, till 
1815, when it was finally ceded to Denmark. 

10. Dutch Islands. — Cura^-oa, near the coast of 
Venezuela, produces sugar and tobacco, and has several 
good harbors. The capital, Wilhelmstadt, a prettily built 
town, Avitli a commodious harbor and strong military works, 
contains nearly tlie whole population of the island. St. 
Eustatia, near St. Kitt’s, is an enormous rock risinsf out of 
the sea, and presenting but one landing place, which is dif¬ 
ficult of accfi^, and strongly fortified. Sugar and tobacco 
are the principal productions. The capital, of the same 
name, is a small town, with 6000 inhabitants. An active 
smuffcrlinof trade is carried on with the neij;hborinf; islands, 
through St. Eustatia. It was taken possession of by the 
Dutch early in the seventeenth century. It has since then 
several times changed hands between them, the French, and 
the English. It was finally given up to Holland in 1814. 

11. Swedish Island. — Saint Bartholomew is the 
only American cglony belonging to Sweden. It is small, 
but highly cultivated, and carries on an extensive com¬ 
merce. St. Bartholomew was settled b}^ the French in 
1648, and ceded by them to the Swedes, in 1784. 

Lesson LXXVJ...Discoveries of Columbus. 

1. Preliminary Remarks. —In the preceding chap¬ 
ters, we have frequently alluded to the discovery of Amer¬ 
ica by Columbus. This great event, as well as the causes 
which led to it, deserve more particular notice. The fif¬ 
teenth century is marked as the era in which modern civili- 

9 Banish islands ? 10, Batch islands I 11. Swedish island ? 

LESSON LXXVI. 1. \Vhat was the state of things in Europe in 


zation rose from the chaos of the Dark Ages, which had 
brooded over Europe for a thousand years. Several re¬ 
markable circumstances contributed to hasten this devel¬ 
opment. The art*of printing had been recently discovered, 
and the mariner’s compass had only been lately applied to 
navigation. About this time, a spirit of maritime discovery 
was engendered and diffused. The ships of Spain and 
Portugal had visited the Azores and Madeira, and were 
pushing their investigations along the coast of Africa. 

2. Columbus.— At this period, Columbus appeared. 
He was born at Genoa, in 1447. He was early imbued 
with the spirit of the times, and made several voyages upon 
the Mediterranean. He came to Lisbon, and was mari ied 
there. He became a sea-captain, and frequently visited the 
north cf Europe and the coast of Africa. No one had yet 
crossed the ocean, and no one had yet dared to penetrate 
its mysteries. The ignorant believed that it extended its 
waves without a shore; but Columbus, reasoning from his 
knowledge of tlie form of the globe, came to the conclusion 
that, by proceeding westward, he should meet with land. 

3. His Discoveries.— After maturing his views, and 
having obtained the assistance of Isabella, queen of Spain, he 
sailed, on the 3d of August, 1492, from Palos, in Spain, 
with three small vessels. He first made for the south, and 
touched at the Canaries : thence he steered directly toward 
the west. After an anxious voyage, on the 12th of October, 
he had the gratification of discovering an island, galled by 
the natives Guanahani, to which he gave the name of St. 
Salvador. He took possession of the island in the name of 
the queen of Spain, and erected a cross upon it, as a sym¬ 
bol that Christianity was to take the place of paganism. 
After visiting other islands, he returned to Spain. He 
made two subsequent voyages, and on the third discov¬ 
ered the continent of America. By degrees, discoveries Avere 
made along the Avhole coast of North and South America, 
and the country .Avas taken possession of by various Euro¬ 
pean poAvers. 

the fifteenth century ? 2. What of Columbus ? 3. IJis discoveries f 
'I'he residt of his voyages ? 
















































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Sir. of ■^fag«*lt^t^S^J 

AMERICA 

Scale of Miles. 


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Extent of South America, 7,000,000 square miles. 

Population, 18,000,000.—Pop. to the sq. m., 2. 

Political Divisions. 

Countries. 

Extent, 

Populat’n . Pop. sq. m. 

Capitals. 

Pop. 

Guayana .... 
Venezuela... 
New Grenada 

Ecuador. 

Peru. 

Bolivia. 

Chili. 

Patagonia.... 
Buenos Ayres 
Uruguay .... 
Paraguay.... 
Brazil. 

1G0,000| 250,000 ... 2 ... 

420.000,1,200,0001... 2 ... 
380,000 24204,0001... 5 ... 
325,0001 700,000!... 2 ... 
41)0,000'l.600,000'... 3 ... 
318,000 1,500.000 ... 3 ... 
172,000 1,200,OOOj... 7 ... 

Paramaribo.. 
Caraccas .... 

Bogota. 

Quito. 

Lima. 

Chuquisaca.. 
Santiago .... 

20,000 

26.000 

60,000 

70.000 

62.000 

16,000 

80,000 

720 , 00014200 . 000 !!’. 2 !!! 

75.000 90.000 ... 1 ... 

80.000 250,000 ... 3 ... 
3.340,000 6.800,000 ... 2 ... 

Buenos Ayres 80.000 
Montevideo.. 12,000 
Assumption . 10,000 
Uio .laneiro.. 212,000 


10 


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SOUTH AMEEICA. 


159 



Distant View of the glides. 

Lesson LXXViI.. .General View. 

1. Cliaracterisfics. —South America is noted for its 
long and lofty range of mountains, its numerous volcanoes, 
its extensive plains, great rivers, and rich minerals. 

2. Moiiiitains.— There are three systems of mount¬ 
ains in South America. The Andes begin in the southern 
part of Patagonia, and extend to the Isthmus of Panama, 
where they are connected with the great chain of North 
America. Their general course is along the Pacific, about 
180 miles from the coast. They consist of isolated peaks, 
covered with perpetual snow. Sixty of them are volcanoes, 
and in perpetual activity. Mount Sorato, in Bolivda, is the 
highest mountain on the Western Continent. The Brazilian 
Andes, in Brazil, are of no great elevation. The Parima 
Mountains extend along the southern border of Venezuela 
and Guiana. The following are some of the principal 
peaks: 


Hight in feet. 

Sorato, in Bolivia. 25.380 

lliimani “ . 24.259 

Chimborazo, in Equador. 21,444 

Cotopaxi (volcanic), do . 19,400 


Hight in feet. 

Antisani, in Equador. 19,400 

Arequipa, in Peru. 17,750 

Itacolumni, in Brazil. 6,175 

Dueda, Parima range.8,000 


3. Valleys.—The valley or Basin of the Amazon em¬ 
braces a territory of 2,000,000 square miles. The valleys 
of the Rio de la Plata are also of orreat extent. 

_ O 

4. Plains.—The 'pampas and llanos are vast plains. 

Exercises on Map of South America. — Boundaries ? 
Extent ? Population ? Where is Cape St. Roque ? Cape Horn ? 
Cape Blanco ? Island of St. Catharina ? Islands of Terra del 
Fuego. ? Island of Ckiloe ? Island of Juan Fernandez ? Where 
are the Falkland Islands ? South Georgia Islands ? Describe the 
Orinoco ; the Amazon ; Madeira ; Tapajos ; St. Francisco ; Uru¬ 
guay ; La Plata. What great chain of mountains extends the whole 
length of South America ? In what part of South America are the 
Andes? Where is Mount Sorato? Illimani? Cotopaxi? Chim¬ 
borazo ? Lake Titicaca ? Where are the Brazilian Andes ? 

GtJiANA .—Boundaries of Guiana ? Where is Georgetown? Par¬ 
amaribo ? Cayenne ? Extent of Guiana, as in the table ? Popu¬ 
lation? Population to the square mile? 

Venezuela.— Boundaries of Venezuela? Capital? Direction 
of Caraccas from Paramaribo ? What river passes through Vene¬ 
zuela ? What lake in Venezuela ? Extent of Venezuela ? Popula¬ 
tion ? Population to the square mile ? 

New Grenada. —Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Bogota 
from Caraccas ? From Panama ? Carthagena ? Extent of Hew 
Grenada ? Population ? Population to the square mile ? 

Eqc.4dor. —Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Quito frotn 
Bogota ? Latitude of Quito ? What celebrated mountain peak in 
Equador ? Where is Guayaquil ? Extent of Equador ? Popula¬ 
tion ? Population to the square mile ? 

Peru.— Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Lima from Quito ? 
Where is Cuzco ? Arequipa ? What lake in Peru ? What desert 
is partly in Peru ? Extent of Peru ? Population ? Population 
to the square mile ? 


abounding in wild cattle, which are taken by a rope with a 
noose, called the lasso. These animals are so abundant as 
to be often killed only for their hides. 

5. Deserts.—The Desert of Atacama lies on the west, 
between the Andes and the Pacific. It is a sandy, sterile 
region, 450 miles long by about fifty in width. In this 
region it never rains. The Desert of Sechura, in the north 
of Peru, is seventy-five miles long. The Desert of Per¬ 
nambuco, in the northeastern part of Brazil, consists of hil¬ 
locks of moving sand, with occasional oases, or fertile spots. 
It is very extensive. 

6. Rivers.—The Amazon is the largest, tliough not 
the longest, river in the world. Its branches spread over 
a valley nearly as extensive as the whole of Europe, and it 
carries as much water to the ocean as all the rivers of that 
quarter of the world ! The Orinoco and La Plata are also 
large streams. No part of the world is better watered 
than South America. The following is a list of the princi¬ 
pal rivers : 

Len^h in miles. Length in miles. 

Amazon. 3,290 I Orinoco. 1,500 

St. Francisco. 1,275 Madeira, branch of the Amazon . 1,800 

La Plata. 2,130 j Parana, branch of the Plata. 1,500 

7. DaRes .—Lake Titicaca, in Peru and Bolivia, the 
largest in South America, is 240 miles in circuit. Lake 
Alaracayho is a gulf of the Caribbean Sea. Lake Valencia, 
in Venezuela, is thirty-four miles long. 

8. Shores, Harbors, Bays, &c.—The coasts of 
South America are less in’escular than those of North 
America. Cape Oallinas,ora. the north, Cape St. Roque, on 
the east. Cape Horn, on the south, and Cape Blanco, on 
the west, mark the prominent outlines of the continent. 
The general form of South America is that of a triangle, 
the longest line being from north to south, embracing, sixty 
degrees of latitude—about 4000 miles. There are no bays 
of great extent. The harbors are numerous. 

9. Islauds.—The Falkland Islands are about ninety 
in number. They are cold and desolate, but important as 

Bolivia. —Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Chuquisaca 
from Lima ? ' Where is Potosi ? What lofty mountain peaks in 
Bolivia? Extent of Bolivia? Population? Population to the 
square mile ? 

Chill —Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Santiago from 
Chuquisaca? Where is Valparaiso? Extent of Chili? Popula¬ 
tion ? Population to the square mile? 

Patagonia, —Boundaries ? What strait separates Terra del Fuego 
from Patagonia ? 

Buenos Ayres. —Boundaries ? What great river passes through 
Buenos Ayres? What great plains in Buenos Ayres? Capital? 
Direction of Buenos Ayres from Santiago ? Extent of Buenos 
Ayres? Population? Population to the square mile? 

Uruguay. —Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Montevideo 
from Buenos Ayres? Extent of Uruguay? Population? Popu¬ 
lation to the square mile ? 

Paraguay. — Boundaries? Capital? Direction of Assumption 
from Buenos Ayres ? Where is Conception ? Extent of Para¬ 
guay ? Popidation ? Population to the square mile ? 

Brazil. — Bound.aries? Capital? Direction of Rio Janeiro frotn 
Buenos Ayres ? Direction of the following places from Rio J/xnxiro: 
Tfjuco ; Bahia ; Pernartibuco ; Maranham ; Para ; Cuyaba ? 
\^ere are the gold mines ? Where is the diamond district ? Where 
are the great plains called llanos ? Extent of Brazil ? Population? 
Popidation to the square mile? 

LESSON LXXVn. 1. Characteristics of South America ? 
2. Mountains ? 3. Valleys ? 4. Plains ? 5. Deserts ? 6. Riv¬ 

ers? 1. Lakes? 8. Shores, harbors, Ac.? 3. Islands? 10. Prod 








































SOUTH AMERICA. 


160 

furnishing harbors to whaling ships. They belong to Great 
Britain. Tlie islands of Terra del Fuego, or Land of Fire, 
received their name from the volcanic fires seen in them. 
This is the most southern inhabited part of the globe. The 
interior has never been explored. . The coasts are rocky, 
and beset by frequent tempests. They are the resort of 
numerous seals and clouds of penguins and other sea-fowl. 
They are inhabited by a few rude, poor, and ignorant, but 
peaceable natives, who live by fishing. Staten land, to 
the east, has an English settlement. There are other con¬ 
siderable islands skirtint; the western coast. Amonff the 
smaller groups is that of Juan. Fernandez, to the west of 
Valparaiso. 

10. Vcgretable Products.— South America presents 
great richness and variety in the vegetable kingdom. Among 
the native productions are eighty species of palms, distin¬ 
guished for their beauty and size, furnishing wines, oil, wax, 
flour, sugar, and salt; fourteen species of Peruvian bark, 
gum guaiacum. India-rubber, cacao, vanilla, maize or Indian 
corn, the potato, cassava, and two hundred and fifty varie¬ 
ties of wood useful for carpentry and dyeing. Coffee, 
sugar, cotton, indigo, and grains of various kinds are 
abundantly produced by cultivation. 



Animals of South America. 


11. Aiiimuls. —The most remarkable animals of South 
America are the tapir, which resembles the hog, with a 
long, flexible snout, which it uses like the trunk of an ele¬ 
phant ; the ant-eater, which feeds on ants ; the llama, 
resembling the camel; the jaguar, which is like the African 
panther ; and the condor, a species of vulture, and the 
lai-gest bird of flight. Besides these, there are numerous 
monkeys, parrots, toucans, alligators, and a variety of ser¬ 
pents. The birds are noted for their glowing plumage. 

1 2. Minerals. —The mines of South America have 
been celebrated ever since the discovery of the country; 
and they have yielded immense quantities of gold, silver, 
and precious gems. The annual value of these articles, 
still obtained, amounts to many millions of dollars. 

1.3. Climate, dice.—The climate of South America is 
remarkable. In the low and level parts, near the equator, 
the temperature is always that of summer. The trees are 
clothed in perpetual .verdure, the flowers are ever in blos¬ 
som, and the fruits ripen at all seasons. In those parts 
which are well watered, vegetation becomes exuberant, 
animals increase, and reptiles and insects are multiplied 
without end. Never checked by the return of winter, ani¬ 
mals and vegetables go on producing and reproducing, till 
the whole face of nature seems to be teeming with animal 
and vegetable life. The exhalations, which arise from the 

ucts? 11. Animals? 12. Minerals? 13. Climate? 14. Face 


marshy soil and vegetable putrefactions, render the air 
extremely unhealthy. In the elevated plains, the tempera¬ 
ture is cool and delightful. Throughout the year, the cli¬ 
mate has the charms of spring. On the mountains it is 
still colder; and at the hight of 15,00(1 or 16,000 feet, 
winter establishes a perpetual dominion. Thus, in the 
same latitude, and within the compass of a few hundred 
miles, are three distinct zones, each having its own tem¬ 
perature, and its peculiar classes of trees, plants, and ani¬ 
mals. Earthquakes are common at the north and west. 

14. Face of the Country. —This may be divided 
into three parts—the western, middle, and eastern. The 
western part consists of an extensive plain, or plateau, ele¬ 
vated nearly 12,000 feet above the level of the sea, crowned 
with tlie vast chain of the Andes. Tlie middle portion lies 
to the east of this, and is several times broader. It is a 
great expanse of country, composed of marshy or sandy 
plains, furrowed by three magnificent rivers and their nu¬ 
merous branches. The eastern portion, embracing the 
eastern part of Brazil, is moderately elevated. 

15. Political l>ivisioiis.— South America presents 
the following divisions : Venezuela, New Grenada, Equa- 
dor, Peru, Bolivia, Chili, Buenos Ayres, Uruguay, and 
Paraguay ; these are republics. Patagonia is occupied by 
uncivilized tribes of Indians ; Brazil is an empire ; Guiana 
consists of three colonies, subject to European governments. 

16. liiliabitaiits. —The greater part of the inhabitants 
of South America are descendants of the native Indians ; 
some of these are partially civilized, but large tribes still 
wander in a savage state. Those who have submitted to 
the government, are a depressed, gentle, ignorant race, 
bearing a general aspect of sadness. A few have risen to 
distinction at the bar, and in other professions ; but, in 
general, the oppressive influence of the whites keeps them 
in a state of poverty and depression, scarcely better than 
slavery. In Patagonia, the Indians are said to be of a 
very large size ; in Terra del Fuego they are dwarfish, and 
seem to be among the most miserable of the human race. 
There are many negroes and mestizoes, especially in Guiana 



South American Indians, 


and Brazil. The ruling people are the descendants of Euro¬ 
peans—Spaniards and Portuguese. The Catholic religion 
every where prevails. The people are generally ignorant; 
the mass are poor, but there are a few who are very rich. 
The country is destitute of roads and bridges, and traveling is 

of the country ? 1.5. Divisions? 16. Inhabitants ? 11, History? 




























GUIANA. 


generally performed with horses or mules. In the free 
I states, hovN^ever, there is a general tendency to improve¬ 
ment. Here negro slavery is abolished; but peonage is 
common in respect to the Indians. 

17. History.—Nearly the whole of South America 
was divided, for three centuries, between Spain and Portu¬ 
gal. The Spaniards, on the discovery of South America, 
found it in the possession of various tribes of Indians, gen¬ 
erally of a more gentle and less warlike character than 
those who inhabited North America. They were evidently 
I of the same race, but the influence of a softer climate had 
I subdued their vigor and courage. With the cross in one 
I hand and the sword in the other, the ruthless invaders 

i took possession of the land. Peru, a populous empire of 
j partly civilized people, was con(piered by Pizarro, in 1535, 

' by a series of treacherous though intrepid acts, scarcely 
paralleled in the history of mankind. The whole peninsula 
1 of South America fell into the power of European govern- 
I ments, Spain took possession of the greater part, and Por- 
; tugal of a large tract on the east. For three centuries the 
country remained in the possession of these two powers, with 
the exception of Guiana. The Spanish portions have lately 
become independent. The Portuguese part of South Amer¬ 
ica, Brazil, is now under the dominion of a legitimate sover¬ 
eign. He is the first European monarch that has established 
the seat of his empire in the Western Continent. 


Lesson LXXVIlf... Guiana. 



Scene in Ouiana, 


1. Characteristics. —Guiana consists of three colo¬ 
nies, belonging to France, Holland, and Great Britain, 

2. Mountains. —The Parima mountains traverse the 
southern portion, and extend into the interior. 

3. Rivers.—The principal are the Essequibo, Deme- 
rara, Saramacca, Surinam, and Maroni. Some of these 
aie large; but being shallow and broken by sand-bars, af¬ 
ford few facilities for navigation. 

4. Vegetahle Products. —In no part of the world is 
vegetation more luxuriant than here. The native products 
are rich and varied ; thick impenetrable forests cover a great 
part of the country. Sugar, coffee, cotton, cocoa, maize, 
and indigo are produced in abundance. There is also a pro¬ 
fusion of various delicious fruits. The orange and lemon 
trees, with many others, are at all times in bloom, and loaded 

j with ripe and ripening fruit. It is on account of the great 
i fertility of this unhealthy spot, that it is valued by the Eu- 
I ropean governments. 

j --- ; 

i LESSON LXXVIII. 1. Characteristics of Guiana ? 2.Moun- 

! tains? 3. Rivers? 4. Vegetable products ? 5. Animals? 6. CU- 

\ 


161 


5. Animals. — The alligator, peccary, agouti, sloth, 
coati, various kinds of monkeys, serpents of large size, and 
a great variety of birds abound in the forests. 

6. Climate, Soil, &c. —The country along the coast 
only is occupied by the whites. It is a low, flat, and un¬ 
healthy region, with a hot, oppressive climate. It is, how¬ 
ever, exceedingly fertile. The interior is broken by hills, 
which, at the south, rise into lofty mountains. The climate 
is tropical, the season being divided into the wet and dry. 
During the rainy season, the rivers, swollen by continual 
rains, overflow their banks ; forests, trees, shrubs, and par- 
isitical plants, seem to float upon the water; quadrupeds 
are forced to take shelter in the highest trees ; large lizards, 
agoutis, and peccaries, quit their dens, now filled with water, 
and remain among the branches ; aquatic birds spring upon 
the trees, to avoid the alligators and serpents that infest 
the temporary lakes ; the fishes forsake their ordinary food, 
and live upon the fruits and berries of the shrubs among 
which they swim ; the crab is found upon the trees, and 
the oyster multiplies in the forest: the Indian, who sur¬ 
veys from his canoe this confusion of earth and sea, sus¬ 
pends his hammock on an elevated branch, and sleeps, with¬ 
out fear, in the midst of so great apparent danger. 

7. Inhabitants. — The interior of Guiana is still in 
the possession of various tribes of native Indians. There 
are also some maroons or runaway negroes, who have consid¬ 
erable villages. Of the whole population in the settled dis¬ 
tricts, 20,000 are whites; the rest are negroes or mixed races, 
most of whom are slaves, except in the British provinces. 

8. Political Hivisions. — Guiana embraces three 
provinces— Cayenne, Surinam, and Demerara. 

9. Cayenne, or Freneh Ouiana. —This extends 
far inland, but the interior is occupied by the Indians; 
population, 25,000. It is divided into two districts, Cay¬ 
enne and Sinnamari. Cayenne is the capital. It is built of 
wood, with wide clean streets, planted with orange-trees. 
The harbor is shallow. 

10. Surinam, or Dutch Ouiana —lies along the 
coast, and consists of unhealthy marshes, drained by navi¬ 
gable canals. Population about 60,000. The maroons 
have several independent establishments. They were long 
at war with the whites; but in 1809 a treaty of peace was 
entered into, and they have since lived on amicable terms. 
Paramaribo, the capital, is on the river, is handsomely laid 
out, has a good harbor, and extensive commerce. The 
streets are lined with orange, lemon, and tamarind trees. 

11. Demerara, or British Ouiana. —This is an 
extensive territory, the boundaries being undefined. It in¬ 
cludes three colonies— Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo. 
The chief towns are, Georgetown, the capital, and New Am¬ 
sterdam. 

12. History. —Guiana was discovered before the end 
of the fifteenth century, by Vincent Pinzon. The Dutch 
formed the first settlement, about 1590, on the Demerara 
River, and afterward at other places. The English settled 
in 1634 in the neighborhood of the Berbice and Surinam ; 
but in 1667, the English settlements were given up to the 
Dutch. The French occupied Cayenne in 1633. During 
the last war in Europe, the English occupied the Dutch 
settlements; and by the treaty of Paris, in 1814, they re¬ 
stored only those between the Comantin and the Maroni to 
the Dutch, retaining possession of the remainder. 

mate? 1. Inhabitants ? S. Political divisions? 3. Cayenne? 10. Su¬ 
rinam? 11. Demerara? 12. History? 

























VENEZUELA. 


162 


Lesson LXXIX.,. Venezuela. 



Earthquake at Caraccas, 


1. Clinractci'istics. —This country is remarkable for 
its extensive plains, and its rich vegetable productions. 

2. Moiinlaiiis.—The great eastern chain of the Andes 
enters the republic from New Grenada, and extends, nearly 
parallel to the coast, across the northern part of the Gult 
of Paria. Some of the peaks are 18,000 feet high. The 
city of Caraccas has an elevation of 8750 feet. There are 
some mountainous ridges in the south, called the Parima 
Mountains. 

3. Plain, or l.lanos.— The most remarkable feature 
of this country is the vast plain which constitutes the great¬ 
er part of its surface. It occupies the whole space between 
the mountainous chains already described. Including a part 
of New Grenada, it has an area of 350,000 square miles, 
but broken and intersected by numerous rivers. On the 
borders of the streams and ponds there are thickets of palm, 
but the rest of this great level consists of open plains, called 
by the Spaniards llanos, covered only with grass. In the 
dry season, the llanos present the aspect of a desert; the 
grass is reduced to powder, the ground cracks with the heat 
and drought, and the alligators arfd serpents, having buried 
themselves in the mud, remain in a torpid state, until they 
are revived by the wet season. 

4. Rivers. —The Orinoco is one of the largest rivers in 
the world, and crosses Venezuela nearly through its center. 
Rising in the mountains of Parima, it flows, after a very cir¬ 
cuitous course of upward of 1500 miles, by about fifty 
mouths, into the Atlantic Ocean. The Guaviare, Apure, 
and Meta, which rise in the Andes of New Grenada, and 
the Ventuari and Co.roni, which have their sources in the 
Parima Mountains, are the principal tributaries. During the 
rainy season it inundates the vast plains through which it 
flows, presenting in some places an expanse of water of 80 
or 90 miles in extent. Immediately on its banks are impen¬ 
etrable forests, from Avhich are heard the cries of the jaguar, 
the puma, innumerable troops of monkeys, peccaries, and 
other animals. While the gigantic boa swings from the 
branches of the trees, ready to seize its prey, huge alliga¬ 
tors, long files of river porpoises, and great numbers of man¬ 
atees, crowd its waters. 

5. Lakes. —The principal lakes are that of Maracayho, 
which is a deep and navigable gulf, and the lake of Valencia. 
The latter is 34 miles in length, by six or eight in breadth, 
covered with beautiful ishmds, and well stocked with fish. 
Ipava is a small lake in the south. 

6. Shores, Harbors, &c.— The northern boundary 

LESSON LXXIX. 1. Characteristics of Venezuela ? 2. Moun- 




of Venezuela is washed by the Caribbean Sea. It presents 
a very irregular outline, and contains several bays and har¬ 
bors. The southern portion of the West India Islands lie 
within a short distance of the coast. 

7. Climate, Soil, and Pro<lucts.— The seasons here 
are divided into the wet and the dry, and as there is little 
variety of surface, a high temperature prevails throughout 
the country during the whole year. The soil is fertile, pro¬ 
ducing coffee, cotton, sugar, cocoa, indigo, sarsaparilla, dye- 
woods, cassava, plantains, and various medicinal plants and 
edible roots. Rich tropical fruits are abundant, and the ve¬ 
getation is characterized by great vigor and freshness ; and 
such is the nutritious quality of the vegetable food here used, 
compared with that of the cereal grains of the temperate 
climates, that a much smaller extent of ground is able to 
maintain a given number of persons. 

8. Animals. —The wild animals of this region are the 
jaguar, puma, deer, troops of peccaries, the Guinea-pig, paca, 
sloth, coati, monkeys, alligators, serpents, parrots, Ac. 
Along; the coast are sea-cows, a huge species of seal; and 
the electrical eel is found in the stagnant pools of the llanos. 
Scorpions, millepedes, musquitoes, and thousands of otl)cr 
insects abound. The pearl oyster is found on the coast. 

0. S>ivi$ious. —Venezuela is divided into thirteen 
province.s. 


Provinees. 
CarttcAS ... 
Maracaibo. 
Barinos .. 
Apure.... 


Population. 
.... 256,000 
.... 48,000 
.... 118,000 
.... 22,000 
... 52,000 


Provinces. 

Barcelona.... 

Coro. 

Merida. 

Barqulsiincto. 


Population. 
.... 61.000 
.... 47,000 
.... 69,000 
.-... 122,000 


Provinces. 
Carahobo . 
Trujillo ... 
Margarita. 
Guayaua.. 


Population. 
.... 103,000 
.... 64,000 

.... 21,00C 
.... 68,000 


10. Industry.— The chief occupation of the people is 
agriculture. There are no mines. Many of the Indians 
live by hunting, game being abundant. 

11. Inhabitants. —The whole country is thinly inhab¬ 
ited, and the greater portion is occupied by Indians, the 
whites being only about 220,000, and the blacks 60,000. 
Many of what are called the wild Indians, or Indios bravos, 
dwell in villages, and raise plantains, cassava, and cotton. 
The civilized Indians are those among whom the Spaniards 
have established missions, and introduced Christianity. They 
are indolent, peaceful, and ignorant. The population of Ven¬ 
ezuela may in general be divided into three classes, corre¬ 
sponding to the three great natural divisions of the country. 
Along the shore, in the valleys, and on the mountains, agri¬ 
culture and commerce are pursued, and here the whites are 
most numerous. In the great plains, the inhabitants, or 
llaneros, as they are called, lead a pastoral life, raising large 
flocks and herds, and keeping great numbers of horses, all 
of which abound in those natural pastures. These are chiefly 
Indians and mixed races. In the woody and mountainous 
regions of the south, beyond the Orinoco, are tribes of 
hunters, many of whom are at perpetual war with each other, 
and have all the characteristics of savages. The country, in 
general, is destitute of roads and bridges. Traveling and 
transportation in the interior is performed by mules and la¬ 
mas. The Catholic religion prevails. Ignorance and indo¬ 
lence are universal, except in the trading towns. The state 
of society is improving very slowly. 

12. Towns. —The capital is Caraccas, which, before it 
was ravaged by an earthquake in 1812, contained 45,000 
inhabitants. It is now much reduced, but is the center of 
an extensive commerce. Its situation is pleasant, and being 
elevated, it enjoys a perpetual spring. La Guayra, its 
port, has a poor harbor, and is extremely unhealthy. J/a- 


tains? 3. Plain or llanos? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Shores 




































REPUBLIC OF NEW GRANADA. 163 


racaybo, on the gulf of the same name; Puerto Cahello, 
with a fine harbor and strong military works ; Valencia, a 
pleasant town, with a delightful climate ; Barcelona, a great 
mart for the smuggling trade with the English islands, and 
Caniana, are commercial places on the northern coast. In 
the interior, Varina^ and Angostura ore the principal places. 
Merida and Coro are the other most important towns. 

13. History.— The history of Venezuela is full of in¬ 
terest. Columbus discovered South America at the mouth 
of the Orinoco in 1498. Amerigo Ucsjoiicc?, an Italian, soon 
after, visited this country, and wrote a very interesting ac¬ 
count of his voyage. From this circumstance, the whole 
continent was named after him. Soon after, Ojeda, a Span¬ 
ish navigator, sailed up Lake Maracaybo, where he found 
the inhabitants living in villages along the shore, the houses 
built on poles rising out of the water. Hence he named 
the country Venezuela, or Little Venice. He made war upon 
the natives, and took several of them prisoners, whom he 
carried to the West Indies and sold as slaves. Other navi¬ 
gators visited the coast, and traded with the Indians ; the 
territory at this time being called Terra Firma, or Mam 
Land. Soon after, the Spaniards visited the country for 
war and plunder, and thousands of the natives were dragged 
off to perish in the mines of Hispaniola. Juan Cornejo 
sailed up the Orinoco in 1531. His vessel was. wrecked, 
part of the crew drowned, and the rest massacred. A short 
time after, a large company of Germans, called Welsers, 
settled here. Stimulated by the desire of gold, they hunted 
the Indians like wild beasts, torturing and exterminating 
those who did not bring a certain quantity of precious met¬ 
als on appointed days. At length these people heard of 
an empire far in tjie interior, said to have a capital filled 
with gold and silver. One street in the city was said to 
contain 3000 silversmiths. The king was described as 
powdered every morning with gold-du/st. Hence the place 
was called El Dorado, or The Gilded One. Several expedi¬ 
tions were fitted out, and hundreds of lives were lost to dis¬ 
cover this famous city ; but it was at last proved that no such 
place existed. Nunez de Balboa founded a settlement at 
Darien, the first European town on the American continent. 
He discovered the Pacific on the2oth of September, 1813. 
Panama was founded in 1517 by his successor, Pedrarias. 
The dominion of the Spaniards w'as extended over the coun¬ 
try, from Guiana to the Pacific, by degrees. It was finally 
divided into the three provinces of Caraccas, New Grenada, 
and Quito, these being governed by captains-general, or 
viceroys, from Spain. General Miranda attempted to ex¬ 
cite a revolt in the province of Caraccas in 1806, but failed 
of success. An insurrection, however, burst out in 1810, 
and spread over the whole country. Bolivar, a native of 
Caraccas, put himself at the head of the revolutionists ; and, 
after a severe struggle, the independence of the country 
was secured. In 1819, the provinces of Venezuela and 
New Granada were formed into a republic called Colombia, 
of which Bolivar was elected president. Quito soon after 
joined the confederacy. In 1831 this government was 
broken up, and three new republics formed out of it, name¬ 
ly, Venezuela, New Granada, and Ecuador. Bolivar, the 
most remarkable man who has arisen in South America, 
and who, in consequence of his efforts for the independence 
of Colombia and Bolivia, gained the title of the Liberator, 
died in 1831. 


and harbors? 1. Climate, soil, <kc.? 8. Animals? 9. Divisions? 

1.0. Industry? 11. Inhabitants? 1.9. Towns? 1.3. History? 



Condor and Jaguar. 


Lesson LXXX... Republic of New Grenada. 

1. Cliaracteristics. — This country occupies the 
northwestern part of South America, and extends to the 
boundaiy of Costa Rica, including the Isthmus of Darien. 

2. Mountains. —The country is traversed by several 
chains of the Andes, the bases of which, as in the mountain 
chains of Mexico, are elevated plains or table-lands, which 
are from 6000 to 9500 feet above the level of the sea. 
Near the southern frontier, in the vicinity of Popayan, the 
great chain of the Andes diverges into three principal chains. 
The valleys between these form the great plateau of New 
Granada, upon w'hich the population is chiefly concentered. 
Near the northern coast is the Sierra of Santa Martha, 
with peaks 19,000 feet high. 

3. Kivers. —The Magdalena rises at the point where 
the several chains above described separate, and flows north 
into the Caribbean Sea, which it enters by several mouths, 
after a course of 900 miles. It receives numerous tribu¬ 
taries, of which the Cauca is the principal. These rivers 
are navigable for steam-vessels. The head branches of the 

O 

Amazon water the southeastern part of the country. 

4. Bays. —The Gul^f Darien and the Bay of Panama, 
in the north, are separated by the narrow strip of land 
called the Isthmus of Darien. 

5. Isthmus. —The Isthmus of Darien forms one of 
the departments of New Grenada. Its chief towns are 
Panama, Chagres, Porto Bello, and Yeragua. Its length, 
from the continent to Costa Rica is about 350 miles; 
its average width, 80 miles; its narrowest part, between 
Chagres and Panama, 28 miles from sea to sea. The 
mountain chain of the Andes and Cordilleras is here inter¬ 
rupted by several breaks of low and level land, through 
one of which the railroad is to extend ; yet the summits of 
the mountains near Panama rise to the hight of 1000 feet. 
Most of the east coast is uncultivated. Near Panama, there 
is a large tract under tillage. The farmers are indolent, 
chiefly raising stock. Game is abundant, and most of the 
people in the country subsist by the chase. Wild hogs, 
deer, and other animals, are abundant. Monkeys, sharks, 
and lizards are used as food. The horses are few and small. 
Mules are mostly used for conveyance. These carry pas¬ 
sengers and merchandise across from Gorgona to Panama. 
Boats are used on the river from Chagres to Gorsfona. 

6. Natural Curiosities. —The Cataract of Tequen- 
dama, near Bogota, presents an assemblage of all that is 
picturesque. The river of Bogota, which, just above the 

LESSON LXXX. 1. Characteristics of Nero Granada ? 
2. Maintains? 3. Rivers? ^.Bays? 5. Isthmus? 0. Natural 

























164 


REPUBLIC OF NEW GRANADA. 


fall, is 144 yards in breadth, is contracted, at a crevice in 
the rock, to a width of twelve yards, and is poured, by two 
descents, down a depth of 5'74 feet. The Natural Bridge of 
Icononzo is a natural arch of stone, fifty feet long and forty 
wide, stretching over a deep chasm, through which rolls a 
torrent forming two beautiful cascades. The hight of the 
bridge above the stream is 318 feet. Si.\ty-four feet below 
this bridge is a second, composed of three enormous masses 
of rock, which have fallen so as to support each other. The 
cavern below is haunted by thousands of nocturnal birds. 
At the village of Turbaco, near Carthagena, there is a sin¬ 
gular group of air volcanoes, consisting of conical hillocks 
from twenty to twenty-five feet high, on the summit of which 
are cavities filled with water. From these issue bubbles of 
gas, which often project the water to a considerable hight, 
while a succession of explosions is heard under ground. 

7. Climate, Soil, &c.— The low country on the coast 
is hot and unhealthy, but the table-lands are salubrious. 
So rapid is the transition, that the eye can see regions of 
perpetual summer, spring, and winter. The soil is extremely 
fertile, and produces in great richness and abundance the 
varied vegetation of its different climates. Among these 
are braziletto, cedar, mahogany, ipecac, balsam of Tolu, Ac. 

8. Animals.—Deer of various kinds, wild hogs, jagu¬ 
ars, tapirs, monkeys, parrots, flamingoes, pelicans, and water- 
fowl are abundant. Immense alligators abound in the 
rivers. Fish are abundant, and the electrical eel is found in 
the stagnant pools. Myriads of insects fill the air, and the 
pearl-oyster is found on some parts of the coast. 

9. Minerals. —Rich mines of silver are found in the 
mountains, but have been little worked. The gold wash¬ 
ings, in which platina also occurs, furnish gold of the value 
of nearly $3,000,000 a year. Copper, iron, tin, lead, and 
coal are also found. Precious stones of different kinds 
abound. The emerald mines of Muzo, near Bogota, and 
those of Somondoco, in the department of Boyaca, have fur¬ 
nished great quantities of emeralds. 

10. Face of the Country. —The surface of New 
Grenada presents a broken and varied aspect. The mount¬ 
ain ranges, resting upon elevated table-lands, overspi'ead 
the greater part of the country. On the summits of the 
central mountain ranges are lofty paramos, or table-lands, 
nearly without vegetation. The other table-lands, generally, 
are unproductive. The northern and western slopes are 
fertile, but the lower parts are unhealthy. In the south¬ 
east are wide llanos, pasturing vast herds of cattle. 

11. Divisions. —New Grenada comprises the terri¬ 
tories of the former Spanish province, styled the Viceroy¬ 
alty of New Grenada, and is divided into 29 provinces, 
which take their names from the capital cities thereof, viz.: 


Antioquia, 

Azu^ro, 

Burbacoas, 

Bogota, 

Buenaventura, 

Cartagena, 

Cozanare, 

Canon, 

Choco, 

Fabroya, 


MariqiiiUt, 

Mompox, 

NeivH, 

Ocana, 

Puimma, 

Pamplona, 

Paato, 

Popayan, 

Rio Hacho, 
Santa Marta, 


Santander, 

Socorro, 

Soto. 

Tundama, 

Tunja, 

Tiiquorreg, 

Upnr, 

Velez, 

Veragua, 


12. Industry. —The farmers are chiefly devoted to the 
raising of stock. Wheat, maize, tobacco, plantains, cotton, 
cocoa, and sugar are produced. In general, agriculture is 
pursued in a rude and languid manner. Coarse woolen and 
cotton stuffs, for homo consumption, are the chief manufac¬ 
tures. The commerce is considerable. 


13. Ilailroad. —A railroad is now in course of con¬ 
struction from Chagres to Panama, a distance of forty-six 
miles. A grant for this purpose has been secured from the 
government of New Grenada. 

14. Iiiliabitaiits. —The population, like that of Me.x- 
ico, is composed of Creoles, Indians, negroes, and the dif¬ 
ferent mixed races, and bears a general resemblance to that 
of the Mexican States. The Avhites are, however, less 
numerous, and there is a greater proportion of negroes. 
The great mass are buried in ignorance, indolence, and su¬ 
perstition. Many Indians are subject to peonage. The 
Roman Catholic religion is established by law. In the 
cities, the people have a tinge of the old Spanish manners. 

15. Chief Towns. — Bogota, the capital of the repub¬ 
lic, is situated on the table-land of New Grenada, and is in 
general well built. The houses are low, consisting of only 
one or two stories, on account of the frequency of earth¬ 
quakes. The beautiful plain in which the city stands hav¬ 
ing an elevation of 8700 feet, it enjoys a mild and healthful 
climate. Carthagena possesses the finest harbor in the 
country, and has a thriving commerce. Santa Martha, on 
the coast to the northeast of Carthagena, has a good har¬ 
bor, strongly defended, and an active commerce. Porto 
Bello, on the Isthmus of Panama, celebrated for the great 
fair formerly held in it, is now much declined, on account 
of the insalubrity of its climate. Rio Hacha is a small 
town, but important for its pearl fishery and trade. Popo.- 
yan, situated at the foot of the great volcanoes of Purace 
and Sotara, is a handsome and well-built town. Panama, 
on the south side of the isthmus, and at the head of the 
bay of the same name, has a thriving and extensive com¬ 
merce, it having recently acquired importance, being the 
point at which the travel across the isthmus concentrates. 
Here will be the terminus of the railroad now buildinof from 
Chagres. Here also is the stopping-place of the steamers 
in connection with San Francisco. Chagres is a small, ill- 
built village, at the mouth of the Chagres River. It is 
noted as the stopping-place of the vessels which take freight 
and passengers for Panama, going across the isthmus. East 
of this is the beginning of the railroad to Panama. Gorgona 
is a village on the Chagres River, twen^ miles northwest of 
Panama. Cruces, also on the Chagres, is a small village on 
the isthmus route, about five miles north of Gorgona. {^See 
Map, page 150.) 

16. Traveling.— In the interior, there are no roads. 
In the mountainous parts, travelers are carried in baskets, 
on the backs of cargueros, or porters. In traversing the 
Quindiu Mountains, a month’s provisions are necessary, as 
the melting of snow causes frequent interruptions. At night, 
the porters erect shelters of sticks, covered with broad 
banana leaves. 

17. History. —We have already mentioned the discov¬ 
ery and occupation of this country by Balboa, and have 
noted its subsequent history in connection with Venezuela. 
The province of New Grenada declared itself independent 
of Spain in 1811 ; and by the memorable victory of Cara- 
bobo, in 1821, completed the downfall of the Spanish au¬ 
thority. In 1819, it formed a union with Venezuela, under 
the title of the Republic of Colombia, and Quito subse¬ 
quently acceded to the confederacy, as before stated. In 
1831, Colombia was divided into the three republics of 
New Granada, Venezuela, and Ecuador. 


evriosities ? 7. Clinixtp. soit, (br. ? Q. Anhnals? 9. Minerals? road? 14. Inhabitants? 15. Chief towns? Describe Panama, 

\0. FO'Ce of the country ? H. Divisions ? 12. Industry ? 13. Rail- Chagres, Gorgona, and Cruces. 16. Traveling? 17 History? 


I 


I 


I 

I 











































REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR. 


165 



Distant View of Mount Chimborazo. 

Lesson LXXXI.... Republic of Ecuador. 

1. Characteristics. —The Republic of Ecuador, or 
Etjuador, is so called because the Equator crosses its terri¬ 
tory. 

2. Itloiiiitaiiis, &c. —The western part of the state 
is traversed from south to north by a chain of the Andes, 
forming a double ridge of colossal summits, the valley be¬ 
tween which constitutes an elevated table-land from twenty- 
live to fifty miles in width, and from 9000 to 9500 feet in 
higlit. Tlie principal summits projecting above this great 
plateau, are Chimborazo and the lofty volcanoes of Anti- 
sani, Cotopaxi, and Pichincha. Above the hight of 16,000 
feet, these mountains are covered with perpetual snow. 
Chimborazo has been ascended to the hight of 19,800 feet, 
probably the highest point on the sui'face of the globe ever 
trodden by the foot of man. The air is here so. much rare¬ 
fied that blood issued from the eyes, lips, and gums of the 
visitors. 

3. Kivers. —The whole of the eastern part of the state 
is traversed by the great river Maranon, or Amazon, which 
forms part of the southern boundary of the republic. It 
receives the Napo, the Putumayo, and the Tiyre from the 
north, and the Huallaga, the Ucayale, and the Javari, from 
the south, within the limits of the republic. The other 
most important river is the Guayaquil, which is navigable 
for the largest vessels the distance of forty miles from 
the sea, and empties itself into the fine bay of the same 
name. 

4. Climate, Soil, &c.— Although this country lies 
directly under the equator, the great elevation of the cen¬ 
tral valley, and of the western table-land, renders the cli¬ 
mate of these sections mild and temperate. In the low 
country .along the coast, the heat is excessive, and the cli¬ 
mate is dangerous to foreigners. The animals, vegetable 
products, &c., resemble tliose of New Grenada. 

5. Minerals. —Gold is abundant in the sands of almost 
all the rivers. This is collected in small quantities by the 
Indians. Lead and quicksilver are also plentiful, but the 
mines are not wrought. 

G. divisions.— The territory of the republic is divided 


LESSON 

2. Mountains I 


LXXXI. 

3. Rivers ? 


1. Characteristics of Ecuador ? 
4. Climate, soil, dc. ? 5. Min- 


into the following nine provinces: 


Province*. 

Pichincha. 

Chimboraxo. 

Atocanies. 

Quixo*. 

Mooabi. 


Population.. 

8‘2,noo 

.. 13,000 
.. 21,500 
.. 85,000 
.. 47,000 


Provinces 

GimyeuioU. 

Cuenca. 

Loxa. 

San Jaen de Bracamoro*. 


Population. 

. 142,000 

.. ft‘>,0fK) 

. 130,000 

.. ‘ilS.OOO 


7. Chief Toaviis. — Quito, the capital, is built on an 
elevated plain, on the eastern slope of the western chain of 
the Andes, at an elevation of 9600 feet. At this hight 
the climate is such that vegetation never ceases. Around 
the city are seen eleven colossal summits, covered with 
perpetual snow, and reaching the hight of from 16,000 to 
21,000 feet. Several of these are volcanoes ; and the city 
is so often visited by earthquakes, that the buildings are, 
like those of Bogota, low, but solid.. It has many convents 
and churches, and some handsome edifices. The streets 
are irregular and crooked, and so uneven as not to be 
adapted to carriages. Guayaquil is distinguished for the 
excellence of its harbor and the extent of its commerce. 
Riohamha, Ibarra, and Latacunga, are among the other 
important towns. 

8. Industry. —Agriculture is the chief occupation. 
Cotton, coffee, sugar, yams, tobacco, maize, wheat, and 
fruits, both of tropical and temperate regions, are produced. 
The plains yield wax, gums, resins, and sarsaparilla. Fish 
are plentiful, and extensively taken on the Pacific coast. 

9. Inhabitants. —This state formerly constituted the 
Spanish Presidency of Quito, which was dependent upon 
the viceroyalty of New Grenada. But a small portion of 
the inhabitants are whites—the Indians and mixed breeds 
composing the bulk of the population. The civilized part 
is confined to the central valley and the western coast, the 
vast tracts to the east of the mountains being occupied by 
independent and hostile tribes of savages. The aborigines 
belonged to the Peruvian family, and numerous remains of 
their architectural industry and skill are visible. The 
Roman Catholic religion prevails, and ignorance and indo¬ 
lence pervade the great mass of the people. 

10. History. —The Territory of Quito, or Ecuador, 
formed part of the great Empire of Peru, conquered by 
Pizarro. The city of Quito Avas one of its capitals, and 
Cuzco the other. Between these were two great public 
roads, paved in many parts, and extending over mountains 
and valleys for 1500 miles. Portions of these are still re¬ 
maining. They were works of far greater magnitude than 
any which have been accomplished by the Spanish success¬ 
ors of the ancient Peruvians. While Pizarro was carrying 
on the conquest of Peru, one of his officers, named Benal- 
cazar, whom he had left behind as governor of St. Michael, 
started with a number of followers for the conquest of 
Quito,.Avhere he expected as much gold as the Spaniards 
had found at Cuzco. After a fierce and protracted contest, 
the Indians fighting with the most desperate valor, he 
entered the oity. His rage was unbounded on finding that 
the inhabitants had hidden their gold and silver, the greater 
part of which was never found. The country submitted to 
the Spanish authority, and Quito was governed by a cap¬ 
tain-general, dependent upon New Grenada. In 1809, a 
revolution occurred, which ended in the establishment of a 
republic in 1822. Quito was soon after united with Colom¬ 
bia. In 1831 it became a separate state, under the title 
of the Republic of Ecuador. 


crals ? 6. 

habitants ? 


Divisions ? 7. Chief Towns ? 

10. History? 


8. Industry ? 9. In 














































lot REPUBLIC OF PERU. 



Lesson LXXXII...Republic of Peru. 

1. C'hstractcrisfics. —This state embraces the capital 
and the central part of the Great Indian Empire of Peru, 
conquered by the Spaniards under Pizarro. 

2. MoHiitaiias.—Several chains of the Andes traverse 
Peru from south to north. The principal chain lies nearly 
parallel to the coast, and contains the loftiest summits, 
among which is the Volcano of Arcquipa, 17,750 feet in 
hight. 

3. Kivcrs. —The only considerable rivers of Peru are 
the Tuncjurayua, the Paro, or Ucayale, and some other 
tributaries of tlie Amazon, which descend the eastern de¬ 
clivities of the Andes. 

4. L.ak.c.— Luke Titicaca, the largest lake in South 
America, is 240 miles in circuit, and 400 feet deep. Its 
waters are fresh, and it is remarkable for the great eleva¬ 
tion of its bed, which is about 13,500 feet above the sea. 

5. Coast. —The nature of the coast on the Pacific here 
is by no means favorable to na\ngation, and affords no har¬ 
bor except Callao, which admits the larger merchant ves¬ 
sels. There is on every part of the shore a tremendous 
surf, very dangerous to vessels. 

6. Face of the Country. —Peru consists of three 
distinct regions, differing in regard to surface, soil, and cli¬ 
mate. First —Between the mountains and the Pacific, a 
narrow strip of sandy plain extends along the whole coast, 
with extensive intervals, in which no traces of vegetation 
appear. Here no rain falls, the dews are heavy, and the 
heat is intense. The products are tropical plants, sugar¬ 
cane, cocoa, plantains, coffee, <fec. Second —The mountain¬ 
ous region, which, commencing at the termination of the 
sandy district with hills of moderate elevation, rises gradu¬ 
ally to the loftiest summits. Here, as in Mexico and New 
Grenada, the traveler ascends through successive layers of 
climate, from regions of perpetual summer to those of eter¬ 
nal snows. The valleys and sides of the mountains are 
covered with impenetrable forests of gigantic trees, overrun 
with lu.xuriant creeping or parasitical plants. This region 

LESSON LXXXII. 1. Characteristics of Peru? Mount¬ 
ains? 3. Rivers? Lakes? 5. Coast? G. Face of the country ? 


spreads out into an extensive table-land, which, stretching 
far to the east and south, has an elevation of from 4000 
to 9000 feet. Much of the soil in this region is fertile: 
the climate of the table-land is mild and temperate. 
Third —To the east of the mountains, in the northeastern 
part, begins the great plain of the Amazon, in which the 
heat is excessive and the climate moist and unhealthy. 
Like the llanos of Venezuela, this great level is intersected 
by forests along the banks of the rivers, w'hich break up 
its surface into separate grassy plains, here called pampas. 

7. Animals.—Those which we have raenlioned in New 
Granada are found here ; to these may be added the llama, 
alpaca, guanaco, and vicuna, all of the same genus. Ihe 
first is used as a beast of burden ; mules, however, are 
mostly employed in traveling. The alpaca is valued for its 
silky hair, which is woven into fine fabrics. 

8. Minerals.—The mountainous region abounds with 
mineral wealth ; gold, silver, and quicksilver have been 
most extensively worked, though other metals are abun¬ 
dant. The richest silver mines are those of Pasco, Huanta- 
jaya, Chota, and Puno. Quicksilver abounds at Huanca- 
velica. Several of these mines are found at the hight of 
from 12,000 to 14,000 feet. Gold is obtained in various 
places from washings. 

9. Divisions. —Peru is divided into seven depart¬ 
ments, which are subdivided into provinces. 


Departments. 

Arequipa. 

Puno. 

Cuzco.. 

Ayacucho. 

Capitals. 

Pop. of Capitals* 

.... 30,000 




T • 1 1 



10. Industry.- 

—Mines of copper, tin, coal. 

quicksilver, 


and nitrate of soda, are wrought. Woolen cloths, leather 
cloaks, blankets, iron wares, and jewelry, are manufactured 
to some extent. Agriculture is the chief employment. 
Commerce, by way of the sea, is considerable. Cotton, 
gums, resins, die., are carried across the country and down 
the Amazon. A great trade in guano commenced in 1841, 
and is still continued. This consists of the excrement of sea¬ 
birds, which has accumulated for ages on the rocky coasts 
along the Pacific. 

11. —The whites compose but a small 
part of the population ; there are many mestizoes, and 
some negroes, but the bulk of the inhabitants are Peruvian 
Indians, who retain their native language, and observe the 
external forms of the Roman Catholic religion. They are 
timid, indolent, and poor. In the north and east are ex¬ 
tensive regions occupied by wild Indians. The mode of 
traveling in some parts of the country is peculiar; the 
deep ravines in the mountains are passed by travelers in 
baskets suspended from ropes which are stretched across 
these terrific chasms. In some places these fissures are 
crossed by pendulous bridges of ropes, covered with leeds. 
The Catholic religion prevails; ignorance and indolence char¬ 
acterize the people, except a few' in the commerci;d places. 

12. Towns. —The capital and largest town of Peru is 
Lima, which stands upon the small river Rimac, about six 
miles from its mouth. The streets are regular, but the 
buildings are low', on account of the frequency and vio¬ 
lence of earthquakes. The city is surrounded with a wall, 
built of bricks baked in the sun. The churches are dis- 


Minerals? 9. Divisions? 10. Industry? 11. In- 
'Towns ? 13. History ? 


I. Animals? 8. 
habitants? 12. 
































rr- - 

REPUBLIC OF BOLIVIA. 167 


tinguished for the profusion and richness of their gold and 
silver ornaments, vessels, statues, &c., and the religious 
ceremonies are solemnized with great splendor. Lima has 
an active commerce and extensive manufactures. Its port, 
CaLao, the strongest fortress and principal seaport of Peru, 
is connected with Lima by a magnificent road. Arequipa, 
in the southern part of Peru, is a fiourishing city. Cuzco 
is the second city of Peru, and was formerly the capital of 
the empire of the incas, or native Peruvian princes. It 
was regarded by the natives as a sacred city ; and the 
celebrated temple of the sun, with its gorgeous decorations 
of gold and silver, was one of the richest in the world. 
Two immense causeways, 1500 miles in length, led from this 
city to Quito, and some remains of them still exist. Puno, 
Ckiquito, Truxillo, Caxamarca, Huanuco, and Tarma, are 
considerable towns. 

13. History.—In our general view of South America, 
we have noticed the Indian Empire of Peru. Balboa 
heard of this country, and its immense wealth, and was 
about to attempt its conquest, when he was beheaded for 
conspirac)^ Pizarro, a rough, illiterate man, who had been 
brought up as a swineherd in Spain, undertook this expe¬ 
dition in 1531. He sailed with a small body of men, 
landed upon the coast, seized the inca, or emperor, named 
Atahualpa, and put him to death. Cuzco, the capital, 
soon fell into his hands, and after a time the whole country 
submitted. Thus was conquered the most populous and 
civilized empire in America. The wealth acquired by the 
Spaniards was immense. Gold and silver were so abundant 
among the Peruvians that pots and pans were made of 
them. The whole population of Peru at the time of its 
conquest was probably ten or twelv'e millions. The inca 
was believed to be descended from Manco Capac and his 
wife Mama Oella, two divine beings, who appeared among 
the people in the fourteenth century, and taught them the 
arts of civilization. The people worshiped the sun, and at 
Cuzco there was an immense temple devoted to their re¬ 
ligious rites. The Peruvians had fine manufactures in gold 
and silver, wove cloths, and tilled the land with care, prac¬ 
ticing irrigation with skill and success. They were a gentle 
people, and were completely crushed by their remorseless 
conquerors. Most of the large cities of modern Peru were 
founded by Pizarro, including Lima, built in 1534. This 
was selected as the capital, and here Pizarro was soon after 
assassinated. In 1780 the Indians revolted, under Tupac 
Amaru, a descendant of the ancient incas ; but after a san¬ 
guinary struggle they were again subjugated. Peru re¬ 
mained quiet after other parts of Spanish America had 
raised the standard of independence. In 1820 a Chilian 
army, under San Martin, entered the country, and captured 
Lima. Peru was declared independent on the 28th of 
July, 1821. But the royalists afterward gained ground, 
and Bolivar entered Peru with a Colombian army in 1822. 
Through his exertions, the cause of independence regained 
the ascendency, and the deliverance of Peru from the 
Spanish dominion was finally accomplished by the victory 
of Ayacucho, in December, 1824. Since this period, the 
government of Peru has gone through many changes. The 
Republic of Bolivia has been formed out of its territory, 
and its political state has been for many years unsettled. 
Peru has at present a republican constitution, but the actual 
government seems to be in the hands of ambitious leaders 
and parties constantly struggling for power. 

LESSON LXXXIII. 1. Characteristics of B divia ? 



City of Potosi, 


Lesson LXXXIII.,. Republic of Bolivia. 

1. Cliaracteristics. — Bolivia, formerly a part of 
Peru, has rich silver mines, and the loftiest mountains in 
America. 

2. Mountains. —The great central chain of the Andes, 
having some volcanic peaks, traverses the southwestern part 
of Bolivia, and is continued into Peru. A chain, with a 
semicircular sweep, passes to the east and northeast of Lake 
Titicaca, containing the loftiest summits of the American 
continent—Sorato, 25,400 feet, and Illimani, 24,250 feet in 
hight—and forms the elevated table-land upon which Lake 
Titicaca lies. 

3. Valleys. —The Valley of Titicaca is fertile, espe¬ 
cially near the lake. The valleys of Cochabamba, and of 
the head streams of the Madeira, have also a fine soil. 
The extensive plains of Moxos and Chiquitos are covered 
with dense forests. 

4. Desert. —The Desert of Atacama, already mentioned, 
extends along the whole Pacific coast of Bolivia. It is a 
desolate, sandy waste, where rain never falls, and served as 
a burial-ground of the ancient Peruvians, whose bodies are 
still dug up from the soil. To the west of Potosi is also a 
broad desert plain, and another to the southeast. 

5. Rivers. —The head-waters of two great rivers of 
South America, the Amazon and the Plata, descend from 
the Bolivian table-land. The only considerable river which 
has its whole course in Bolivia is the Desaguadero, or out¬ 
let of Lake Titicaca, which takes a southerly course, and 
loses itself in the salt plains of Potosi. 

6. Liakes.— Titicaca Lake, described under Peru, is 
partly in Bolivia. 

7. Coast. —Bolivia extends about 120 miles along the 
Pacific, having the single port of Cobija. 

8. Climate, Soil, &c. —The climate, soil, vegetable 
and animal productions, resemble those of Peru; but as 
the Bolivian table-lands, occupying a large part of the sur¬ 
face of the state, are more elevated than the Pei-uvian, 
the cold is rather greater. The northeastern part of the 
country forms a portion of the great plain of the Amazon, 
and has, therefore, a much higher temperature. 

9. Minerals. —The celebrated silver mines of Potosi 
are in a mountain near the city of that name. The summit 

2. Mountains ? 3. Valleys f 4. Desert ? 5. Rivers ? 6. Lakes / 




















168 


REPUBLIC OF CHILL 


of tills rises to an elevation of 16,300 feet, and the highest 
mine is upward of 15,000 feet above the level of the sea. 
From the first discovery of these mines, in 1545, until 
1803, they yielded about one thousand million dollars’ worth 
of silver; and since the latter period, though imperfectly 
and unskillfully worked, have continued to produce about 
three millions annually. 

10. Divisions.—Bolivia is divided into departments, 
as follows: 

JDeparimente 

r.a Pilz de Ayacacho.... 


Chuqiiisaca. 


Area in sq. m. 

.. 39,8.j0. 

. 31,800 . 

Chief Cities. 

.La Paz.. 

Pop’n. 

. 30.000 

,. 8,480. 

,. 34,3r>0 


. 5,000 

.. 40,000 - . 



1 200,000. 


X __ 

... ^ 

1 20,000. 


... 1 793 


Bani. 

Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 

Tarija. 

Cobija.. 

11. Industry.—Agriculture is the chief pursuit. Min¬ 
ing is extensively carried on. There are some manufactures 
of cotton, glass, and silver. Some of the Indian tribes 
make fine cloths, furs, parasols, &c. The exports consist of 
precious metals, avooI, woolen goods, hats, drugs, skins, 
so.ip, tobacco, &c. 

12. InSialJitanfs.—The population has much the same 
chaiiicttn- with that of the other Spanish-American states. 
The number of whites is small, the native Indians consti¬ 
tuting upward of one-half of the whole mass of inhabitants. 
The religion is Homan Catholic. Ignorance and indolence 
prevail among the masses. The Moxos Indians are agricul¬ 
tural ; the Chiquitos are nomadic. The tribes on the Beni 
are wild and savage. 

13. Towus.—The capital, Chuquisaca, or La Plata, is 
situated in a pleasant and fertile plain, at an elevation of 
9500 feet. It is Avell built, and contains, besides other pub¬ 
lic edifices, numerous convents. The principal city of Bo¬ 
livia is La 'Paz. Although it lies in a deep valley, it is 
elevated 12,400 feet above the sea. Near it rises the co¬ 
lossal summit of Illimani. Potosi was formerly a large and 
opulent city, with 150,000 inhabitants, but is now so much 
reduced, as not to contain more than 30,000. It lies in a 
barren district, at the remarkable elevation of 13,700 feet 
above the sea. It owed its former splendor wholly to the 
mineral wealth of its neighborhood. It contains a monument 
erected in honor of Bolivar. Cochabamba lies in a rich and 
Avell-cultivated region, which may be considered the granary 
of Bolivia. Santa Cruzxs, an ill-built town, in avast plain. 
Oniro lies in the vicinity of rich silver mines. Cobija, or 
Lamar, is a little village in the desert of Atacama, on the 
Bolivian coast, and deserves notice as being the only sea¬ 
port of the republic. It has some ship-building docks, a 
quay, barracks, &c. 

14. History.—The Bolivian territories, or, as they are 
commonly called, the provinces of Upper Peru, Avere de¬ 
tached from the Spanish viceroyalty of Peru, and annexed 
to that of the Plata, in 1778. In 1824, the Spanish au¬ 
thority Avas overthroAvn by the victory of Ayacucho, and in 
the succeeding year the people of Upper Peru determined 
to remain a separate state, under the name of Bolivia. This 
title Avas adopted in honor of Bolivar, Avho aided the people 
in achieving their independence, and dreAV up their consti¬ 
tution. By this code, the president is chosen for life, Avith 
the power of appointing his successor. 


7. Coast ? 8. Climate, soil, d’c. ? 9. Minerals ? 10. Divisions ? 

11. Industry? 12. Inhabitants? 13. Towns? 14. History? 
How did Bolivia obtain its name ? 


Lesson LXXXIV... Republic of Chili. 

1. Cliaractcristics. —This state consists of a long, 
narroAV territory, extending 1200 miles along the Pacific 
Ocean. 

2. Moiiiitaiiis. —The great chain of the Andes trav¬ 
erses the country from north to south, and presents a num¬ 
ber of summits, the liight of Avhich has been estimated at 
upward of 20,000 feet. The roads that lead across these 
mountains are impassable, except in summer, and the pas¬ 
sage is even then difficult and hazardous. Among the 
Cliilian Andes, there are said to be fourteen volcanoes in a 
state of constant eruption, and a still greater number that 
discharge smoke at intervals. Earthquakes are common. 

3. Rivers. —The rivers are numerous, but small, and 
have generally a rapid current, as they descend from ele¬ 
vated regions into the Pacific, and have a short course. 
The Maulc arid Biobio are navigable for a short distance. - 

4. Shores. —The line of the coast is very even, extend¬ 
ing north and south, and presenting several good harbors. 

5. Islands. —The island of Chiloe. and llie archipelago 
of ChonoH, in the south, belong to the I'epublic, which also 
claims the island of Juan Fernandez, at some distance from 
the coast, celebrated as the residence of Alexander Selkirk, 
Avhose adventures furnished the hint for the popular noA'el 
of Robinson Crusoe. 

6. Climate, Productions, &c. —Chili lies in the 
temperate zone, and enjoys a fine climate. In the northern 
provinces it rarely rains, and snow is never seen in the mari¬ 
time districts. Ice, however, is sometimes formed here. The 
soil is, in general, highly productiA'e, particularly in the val¬ 
leys of the Andes ; and while the northern provinces yield 
various tropical productions, the southern produce the 
cereal grasses. This is the native country of the potato, 
several varieties of Avhich are cultivated in great perfection. 
It is found Avild on the hills and mountains, as Avell as in 
the loAver country, and even in the Chiloe Isles. The ani¬ 
mals are similar to those of Peru. The lama and guanaco 
abound in the plains. The chinchilla mouse, celebrated for 
its soft fur, is also common. 

7. minerals. —The metallic wealth of the country is 
great. It is rich in mines of gold, silver, quicksilver, tin, 
copper, and iron. Gold is abundant, and is obtained from 
mines and Avashings. The richest mines are in the part of 
the country noAV occupied by the Araucanians. Many of 
the richest silver mines are in the loftiest and coldest parts 
of the Andes, and have been abandoned in consequence of 
the difficulty and expense of Avorking them. 

8. Face of tlic Country. —Chili presents a plain, 
gradually , 1 'ising in elevation as it recedes from the coast, 
and approaches the Andes. The country intercepted be- 
tAveen the foot of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean is divided 
into tAvo equal parts, the maritime and midland. The 
maritime part is intersected by three ridges of mountains, 
running parallel Avith the Andes. The midland part is 
generally level, of great fertility, and enjoying a delightful 
climate. 

9. Industry. —Agriculture is the leading pursuit, all 
kinds of grain being cultivated. Melons, pumpkins, figs, 
grapes, pomegranates, oranges, peaches, apples, and olives 
are abundant. The commerce is considerable. Copper, 

LBSSON LXXXIV. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 
^.Rivers? Shores? 5. Islands? 6. Clhjiate, productions, <bc. ? 
1 7. Minerals? 8. Face of the country ? 9. Industry? 10. Divis 








































PATAGONIA. 


169 


I 


i 


t 


I 

! 

1 


I 


i • 


silver, beef, tallow, bides, and live-stock, are exported. 
Grain is shipped to California. The mining of copper and 
silver is extensive. Gold is not collected in large quantities. 

10. Divisions. —Chili is divided into eight provinces, 
as follows: 

Provinces Area in sq. m. Chief Towns. Pop’n. 

Coqiiinibo.48,000.Coqiiimbo. 8,000 

Acoiiciigua.14,000.Quillota.10,000 

SantiiiKo .12,000.Santiago.60,000 

Colchugua.15,000.San Fernando.. 

Slaule.12,000..-Villade Cauquenes.. 

Concepcion.18,000.Concepcion.. 

Valdivia.40,000.Valdivia. 2,000 

ChiloQ.. 11,000.San Carlos. 4,000 

11. Iiiliabitaiits. —The population consists of the de¬ 
scendants of the Spaniards, with numerous Indians. The 
former maintain the Spanish manners and customs to a con- 
si^lerable extent. Some of the landed proprietors have in¬ 
comes from $25,000 to $5000 a year. The ancient grada¬ 
tions of rank are somewhat preserved ; the guaso, or peas¬ 
ant, being less independent, and more depressed, than the 
guacho of some of the South American states. 

12. Chief Towns. — Santiago, the capital, is pleasantly 
situated in an extensive plain at the foot of the Andes, on 
the river Mapocho. It is regularly laid out, and contains 
some splendid buildings. It has suffered much from earth¬ 
quakes, particularly in 1822 and 1829. ValjMraiso, a flour¬ 
ishing town, stands on the Pacific, and has a fine harbor. 
It is the principal commercial place in Chili. Coquimho, 
which also stands on the coast, carries on an extensive com¬ 
merce. It has repeatedly been injured by earthquakes. 
Concepcion on the Biobio, not far from its mouth, was al¬ 
most completely destroyed by the Araucanians, in 1823, 
but hits recovered, and is thriving. Valdiviai& distinguished 
for its excellent harbor. Huasco and Carico are small 
towns, having rich mines in their vicinity. Near Copiapo 
and Quillota are valuable copper mines. 



^ncieyit Araucanian lyarrior. 


13. History. —Chili was peopled by a w'arlike race of 
Indians, less civilized than the Peruvians, but far more val¬ 
iant and enterprising in war. The Spaniards, under Al- 
magro, invaded this country in 1535 ; but such w'as the 
courageous resistance of the natives, that a long series of 


sanguinary Avars ensued before the invaders could establish 
themselves permanently here. The leading tribe was that 
of the Araucanians, Avho made so valorous and obstinate 
a defence, that the Spaniards could never subdue them. 
The most celebrated character in their history is* Caupoli- 
can. The colonial authority of Peru Avas at first extended 
over Chili; but in 1567, a separation was made, and Chili 
Avas placed under a captain-general, dependent solely on the 
king of Spain. The revolution began in Chili in 1810, and 
the country Avas for some years in a state of perpetual tur¬ 
bulence. ^ In 1817, a revoluticfhary army from Buenos 
Ayres, under General San Martin, crossed the Andes, and 
invaded Chili. The royalist forces Avere defeated in the 
decisive battle of Maypa, on the 5th of April, 1818, and 
the victory established the independence of Chili. 

14. Araucania.— This territory lies betAveen the Bio¬ 
bio, on the north, and the Valdivia, on the south. It has 
been considered as a part of Chili, but the natives ever re¬ 
sisted the Spanish authority, and have maintained their in¬ 
dependence to the present day. Chili claims a nominal 
sovereignty over the country, but the substantial indepen¬ 
dence of the people is secured by law. The Araucanians 
possessed various useful arts before the arrival of the Span¬ 
iards. They retain many of their ancient customs, and are 
an exceedingly interesting people. They are chiefly occu¬ 
pied in raising cattle, but have, some manufactures. The 
country is diAnded into four districts, each having a governor. 
The form of government is a mixture of democracy and 
aristocracy. 



Patagonian. 


Lesson LXXXV... Patagonia. 

1. Characteristics.— This A'ast territory, 900 miles 
long, comprises the southern point of South America, and 
is wholly occupied by uncivilized Indians. 

2. Mountains, &c. —This country has been little ex¬ 
plored. Its shores, on both sides, are much indented with 
bays and gulfs. The contiguous islands have been men- 


ions ? ’Ll.. InhabitanU ? 12. Towns? 'i.Z. History ? 

cania ? What of the Ariucanians ? 

22 


14 . Arau- 


LESSON LXXXV. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 
3. Face of the country ? 4. Inhabitants ? 5. History ? 




























































170 


BUENOS AYRES, OR THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 


tioned under the head of South America. The Andes ex¬ 
tend along the western coast, rising from three to four 
tliousand feet, with many volcanoes. 

3. Face of the Country. —East of the Andes, the 
country rises from the sea in a succession of terraces, 
spreading out into arid and sterile plains. Guanacos, 
jinmas, and fo.xes are the chief quadrupeds. Among the 
birds are the condor and the rhea. The latter, a small 
sj)ecies of ostrich, is hunted by the wild Indians wdth the 
lasso. 

4. Inhabitants. —The only inhabitants of this dreary 
region are Indians, who are in a savage state, and remark¬ 
able for their large stature. The men are occupied in hunt¬ 
ing and fishing. The w'omen stay at home, building or 
repairing the wigwams, grinding paint, drying skins, and 
painting mantles. The Fuegians, to the south, are a 
smaller and inferior race. The women are in an abject 
state, being required to paddle the canoes, dive for shells, 
climb the cliflFs for eggs, build the huts, and keep up the 
fil es. They are sure of being beaten for any neglect. 

5. History. —Patagonia can hardly be said to have a 
history. It was discovered by Magellan in 1518. The 
natives were described as being of a gigantic stature. Sub¬ 
sequent discoverers have ascertained that they are not a 
race of giants, as the old stories represent them; yet they 
are a people of uncommon hight. They are savages, but 
they possess a few of the useful arts, obtained by their in¬ 
tercourse with the Spaniards. Of government or political 
institutions they seem to know very little. 



Ckitcking wild Cattle in the Pampas, 


l.essoii LXXXVI... Buenos Ayres, or the Argen¬ 
tine Republic. 

1. Characteristics. —This is an extensive state, dis¬ 
tinguished for its immense plains, called pampas. 

2. iWoiiiitains.— In the western provinces a chain of 
mount tins traverses the country, in a direction nearly parallel 
to tl’.e Andes. Little is known of its elevation and course. 

.3. Face of the Country, Plains, &c. —The north¬ 
western and northern provinces form portions, the latter of 
the great central table-land of South America, and the for- 

LESSON LXXXVI. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 
3. Face of the country? 4. Rivers ? 5. Shores? 6. Soil and pro- 


mer of the Peruvian table-land. All the country to the south 
and east of these limits belongs to the vast plain of the 
'Plata, wdiich stretches nearly to the southern extremity of 
the continent, over an area of 1,600,000 square miles. The 
pampas, or great grassy plains of Buenos Ayres, form a part 
of this extensive level. They resemble the prairies of North 
America and the llanos of Venezuela, being like them des¬ 
titute of wood, and stretching out wdth an unbroken, though 
undulating surface, for hundreds of miles. Several rivers 
and some lakes are found in them, but in general they are 
scantily watered. Immense herds of wild horses and cattle 
find good pasture in them, and the rhea, jaguar, deer, lamas, 
&c., are numerous. They are inhabited, or ratlier traversed, 
by the Indian tribes, and Spanish American hunters and 
shepherds. 

4. Kivers. —The Plata, the principal river, 2500 miles 
long, has the largest volume of water of any river in the 
world, except the Amazon. It is formed by the union of 
the Parana and the Uruguay, at the distance of 175 miles 
from the ocean ; at that point it is 30 miles, and at its mouth 
100 miles broad. The Parana or main branch rises in Bra¬ 
zil, and has a course of upward of 2000 miles; it receives 
the waters of the Paraguay, another large river, which also 
rises in Brazil, and is about 1200 miles in length. The Pil- 
comayo and Yermejo, tributaries of the Paraguay, are like¬ 
wise considerable rivers, and have their sources in Bolivia. 
The Colorado and Negro are the principal rivers to the south 
of the Plata. Rising in the Chilian Andes, they flow through 
desert and imperfectly known regions into the Atlantic. 

5. Shores, &c. —This country has 400 miles of sea- 
coast, but no remarkable bays. 

6. Soil and Productions —In the upland districts 
the productions of the temperate climate abound, while the 
lower regions furnish the cocoa, olive, orange, and sugar¬ 
cane of tropical countries. The plains afford natural pas¬ 
tures for great numbers of domestic and wild animals. The 
mate, or Paraguay tea-plant, is a small tree, the leaves of 
which are used to prepare an infusion, like the Chinese tea 
with us. It is«sed by the inhabitants and exported in great 
quantities to the neighboring countries. A large proportion 
of the soil is productive, but there are some salt plains and 
sterile tracts. 

7. Animals. —The native animals comprise the puma, 
jaguar, armadillo, biscacha, chinchilla, &c. The guanaco, 
lama, and vicuna abound near the Andes. 

8. Minerals. —There are some rich mines of gold and 
silver in the mountainous districts of the western provinces. 
Salt and saltpeter are abundant. Sulphur, alum, mineral 
pitch, &c., are found near the Andes. Coal is plentiful in 
the southwest. Few mines are wrought. 

o 

9. Climate. —In the northern part of the country, the 
summers are long and hot, but ice is sometimes formed in 
winter. As we advance to the south, the cold increases, 
but is nowhere extreme. The climate is moist, and in the \ 
southern provinces the winds are violent, and thunder and 
lightning very severe. The w'esterly winds which sweep 
across the pampas, and are here axWed patnperos, blow with 
great furj^. 

.10. Divisions. —The territories lying within the Argen¬ 
tine Republic, formerly composed a part of the Spanish 
viceroyalty of Buenos Ayres, to which Bolivia, Paraguay, 
and Uruguay also belonged. In 1810, the intendancy of 

ductions ? What of mate, or Paraguay tea ? 7. Animals ? 8.' Mine¬ 
rals? Climate? 10. Divisions ? 11. Chief Towns? Describe 









































REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY. 


in 


Buenos Ayres broke out into an insurrection, and its exam¬ 
ple was followed by other intendancies of the viceroyalty. 
In 1817, they declared themselves independent, under the 
name of the United States of South America, which was 
afterward changed into that of the Argentine Republic or 
United Provinces of the Plata. This republic is divided as 
follows:— 


States. Citiee. Population.' 


Buenos Ayres 

Santa F6. 

Entre Rios- - • ■ 
Corrientes .... 
Missiones.... ■ 

Cordova. 

Santiago.. 

Tucuman •... 

Salta. 

Catamarca •. ■ ■ 

La Rioja. 

San Juan .•. • 
San Luis -.. • •' 
Mendoza. 


• 7SJ6,000 < 


Buenos Ayres 

Santa Fe. 

I’arana.. 

Corrientes ... 
San lldefonso 

Cordova . 

Santiago. 

Tucumiin.... 
Salta. 


Catamarca 
La Rioja . 
San Juan - 
San Luis . 
. Mendoza. 


80,000 


6,000 

4.500 

14,000 

4,000 

10,000 

9,000 

4,000 

4,000 

18,000 

1.500 

12,000 


11. Chief Towns .—'Buenos Ayres, capital of the state 
of the same name, is one of the principal cities of South 
America, and is not less distinguished for its literary than 
for its commercial activity. It is well built, with regular 
and well-paved streets, and contains many handsome pub¬ 
lic and private buildings. Although situated near the mouth 
of one of the largest rivers in the world, its harbor is so much 
obstructed by sand-banks, that large vessels only come up 
to Barragan. Corrientes, a small town, situated near the 
confluence of the Parana and Paraguay, has great natural 
advantages for inland commerce. Cordova, formerly ren¬ 
dered important by its famous university, which is now sunk 
into insignificance, enjoys an active internal commerce, and 
can ies on considerable manufactures of woolen and cotton. 
San Juan, in the state of the same name, produces large 
quantities of wine and brandy. Mendoza, on the eastern 
declivity of the Andes, has also an active trade in wine and 
fruits. Upsallata, a little town in the state of Mendoza, is 
celebrated for its rich silver-mine. Salta, Tucuman, and 
Santa F4 are the other principal towns. 

12. Industry. —Agriculture is the chief pursuit; but 
it is very unskillfully conducted. Cotton, tobacco, rice, su¬ 
gar-cane, indigo, and the vark'us grains, with cochineal, cocoa, 
cinchona bark, Paraguay tea, and various fruits, are pro¬ 
duced. Wine and brandy are made from grapes. Morocco 
leather and turned wares are jpanufactured at Cordova. 
The Indians of the Chaco make yarn, ropes, fishing-nets, 
saddle-cloths, baskets, and other fabrics, from the fibres of 
the aloe, which they dye with great skill. The foreign com¬ 
merce centers entirely in the city of Buenos Ayres. 

13. Inlmbitants. —The native whites of this country 
arc favorably distinguished among those of the other Span¬ 
ish colonies for character and cultivation. The blacks are 
few. The Creole shepherds of the great plains, called Gua- 
chos, lead a life of wild independence, passing most of their 
time on horseback, eating nothing but jerked beef and drink¬ 
ing water ; they are rude, but hospitable and generous. 
Armed with his lasso or leather strap, which he throws at 
a great distance with unerring aim, the Guacho gallops out 
into the open plain, hurls it at the wild horse, bull, or 

I rhea, lodging it round the neck of the animal, which by a 
I sudden jerk he throws to the ground, and then secures his 
I prey. The Indians are numerous, and some of the tribes 
j of the south are fierce and warlike. They have learned 
i the use of the horse, and they wander in search of game 


and pasturage, through the great expanse of the pampas; ' 
wheie they are engaged in constant hostilities with the * 
Guachos. ; 

14. History. —The great stream called Rio de la Plata, 
or River Plate, was discovered by the Spaniards in 1515. 
There they first saw the silver of the new world, on which j 
account they gave the river the name it has ever since borne. j 
The city of .IBuenos Ayres was founded in 1535. The Spanish | 
settlers intermarried with the Indians, which first produced 
that mixed race called Mestizoes, now so common in South ! 

America. This colony was first attached to the government j 

of Peru. The Jesuits established their missions here in ! 

the seventeenth century, and met with great success in con¬ 
verting the natives to Catholicism. In 1778, Buenos Ayres 
was separated from Peru, and erected into a viceroyalty. 

In 1800, when Spain was at war with Great Britain,'the 
British sent an expedition which captured the city of Buenos 
Ayres ; but they were expelled after holding it fifteen days. 

In 1810, the inhabitants rose in insurrection against the 
Spanish authorities, and, after various fluctuations of fortune, 
an independent government was established. It is now 
known by the name of the Argentine Republic. Its Span¬ 
ish name is Buenos Ayres. Its former name of United 
Provinces is, however, preserv’ed in popular use. The gov¬ 
ernment has never been settled; from, 1835 to 1852 it I 
was under the dictatorship of Rosas ; but in that year the I 
Liberals, under General Urquiza, drove him from power | 
and inducted a more popular government. | 

j 

Lesson LXXIVJI... Republic of Uruguay, ! 

1. Cliaracterisfics. —This is a small state, formerly i 
belonging to Buenos Ayres, and called the Banda Oriental, ! 

2. Face of the Country* —Along the coast, the ! 
surface is level, and bare of wood. In the center, it be- ! 
comes mountainous, with ravines and hights clothed with j 
forests, and abounding with wild animals. A large portion I 
of the surrounding interior is undulating. 

3. Rivers. —The territory is watered by numerous 
tributaries of the Uruguay, The Rio Negro is the princi¬ 
pal, traversing the country from east to west. 

4. Climate, Products, Ac. —The climate is gen¬ 

erally damp, but temperate and healthy. In the winter, 
heavy rains and cold winds are prevalent; but in the low¬ 
lands, frost is said to be unknown. Natural pastures are 
very extensive and luxuriant. Cattle and horses form the 
principal wealth of the people; and their products, con¬ 
sisting of hides, skins, hair, jerked beef, and tallow, are the j 

chief exports. Wheat, maize, beans, and melons are pro- I 

duced, and the country is adapted for the culture of most | 

fruits of temperate climates ; but at present, no more agri- i 

cultural produce is raised than is required for home con- j 

sumption. 1 

5. Minerals. —Granite and limestone rocks prevail in 
the mountainous region ; jasper and chalcedony are met 
Avith ; but few if any mines are wrought. 

6. Iiiliabitaiits. —The population is small for the ex¬ 
tent of territory. By far the larger part are Indians— 
some of them civilized, and others in a wild state, 

7. Chief Towns. —There are three principal towns— 

La Colonia, Maldonado, ,sindi Monte Video. The last is 
the capital, has a good port, and, though injured by the 


I Buenos Ayrm ? 12. Industry i 
j ehos i 14. History i 


13. Inhabitants f 


Describe the Qua- 


LESSON LXXXVII. 1. Characteristics of Uruguay ? 
2. Face of the country} 3. Rivers? 4. Climate, products, 

























































REPUBLIC OF PARAGUAY. 


1 1 


•■wars, bids fair to be a great city. It is well fortified, and 
has a citadel. Its commerce is already considerable. Be¬ 
sides these, there are a few smaller towns, and hamlets, but 
none of considerable e.xtent. 

8. History. —This country was formerly known by the 
name of the Banda Oriental, or Eastern Shore, in lelation 
to its position on the eastern bank of the River La Plata. 
It was first settled by the Spaniards from Buenos Ayres, 
and remained under the same government with that prov¬ 
ince till the revolution, when the people of Banda Oriental 
declared themselves independent. Both Buenos Ayres 
and Brazil laid claim to the country, in consequence of 
which it has been harassed with wars down to the present 
day. The Brazilians relinquished their claim in 1827, but 
the government of Buenos Ayres continues its hostilities. 
T’^^ruguay, however, maintains its independence. 



Lesson LXXXVIIL. .Republic of Paraguay. 

1. Characteristics.— This is a small state, lying be¬ 
tween the rivers Parana and Paraguay. 

2. Moiintaiiis.— The Sierra Amamhahy crosses the 
territory near its center. 

3. Rivers, Lakes, dec. —From the mountain chain, 
numerous small streams flow east into the Parana, and 
west into the Paraguay. Ypao is the only considerable 
lake. 

4. Climate, Products, dec.— The climate is moist, 
but temperate ; extensive marshes abound, and in the rainy 
season, the rivers inundate a great extent of country. The 
soil is very fertile. The territory is well wooded, and di¬ 
versified with hills and vales. The Yerha mate, or Para¬ 
guay tea, is a natural evergreen tree, resembling the orange- 
tree, the leaf of which is largely used in the same manner 
as Chinese tea. 

5. Industry, dec. —Agriculture is the chief employ¬ 
ment. Indian corn, rice, sugar-cane, cotton, tobacco, and 
mate, are the chief products. The latter grows wild in 
the forest, and is obtained in large quantities amid the 
dense thickets. The cultivated lands are hedged with the 
prickly pear. On some of the farms many thousands of 
cattle and horses are bred. Manufactures of cotton, wool, 
&c., are considerable. Rich iron mines are wrought, and 

5. Minerals? 6. Inhabitants? 7. Chief towns? 8. His¬ 
tory ? 

LESSON LXXXVIII. 1. Characteristics of Paraguay? 


commerce is resiviiig from the discoiirageous policy of 
the dictator. Francia, who wished to make the people live 
within themselves. 

G. luliubitaufts. —The greater part of the.se are In¬ 
dians, most of whom are partially civilized. Slavery is 
abolished, as well as in other South American states. The 
whites of Spanish descent are the ruling people. There 
are some negroes and mixed races. 

7. Chief Towns.— The principal towns are Villa 
Rica, Neemhucu, and Assumption, or Asuncion. The lat¬ 
ter, the capital, is badly built, and unpaved. The public 
structures are mean. Its trade in hides, tobacco, timber, 
Paraguay tea, and wax, is considerable. 

8. History. —This country was settled by the Span¬ 
iards soon after their discovery of the Rio de la Plata. 
The city of Asuncion was founded in 1535. The Jesuits 
founded missionar}’^ establishments here in the sixteenth 
century, for the purpose of civilizing the Indians, who were 
numerous in this and the surrounding regions. They suc¬ 
ceeded so far as to bring large numbers into a state of par¬ 
tial civilization. They had many small towns regularly 
built; the churches w^ere splendid and highly decorated. 
There were painters, sculptors, silversmiths, carpenters, 
weavers, w'atchmakers, (fcc. Music was cultivated with 
success. The people were trained in the Catholic religion, 
and remained under the authority of the priests. In 1768, 
the order of Jesuits was suppressed by the king of Spain, 
and the Indians, having been taught no real independence 
of mind, immediately relapsed into their former habits. 
Paraguay continued to be a province of Spain, but revolted 
shortly after the first revolutionary proceedings in Buenos 
Ayres. After various futile attempts to establish repub¬ 
lican forms of government, the inhabitants conferred the 
supreme authority upon Doctor Francia, with the title of 
Dictator. This extraordinary man ruled over Paraguay 
with despotic sway from 1814 to 1842, when he died at 
about eighty years of age. Since his death, the country 
has been governed by a President elected for ten years, 
and a Congress elected by general suffrage for five years. 



Transporiivff Diamonds to Hio, 


Lesson LXXXIX... Empire of Riiizi!. 

1. Characteristics.— Brazil is an extensive empire, 
occupying one-third part of South America. 

2. Mountains. —This vast country is traversed by sev¬ 
eral distinct chains of mountains, chiefly in the eastern and 

2. Memniains ? 3. Rivers, lakes, dc. ? 4. Climate, products, d'c. ■ 

5. Industry? 6. Inhabitants? 7. Chief towns? 8. History? 
LESSON LXXXIX. 1. Characteristics ? 2,"Mountains ? 








































EMPIRE OF BRAZIL. 


173 


,iorthern provinces. The most easterly chain, called the Serra 
do Mar, or Brazilian Andes, runs parallel to the coast. The 
highest summit is 4160 fegt. Further west lies the Serra 
do Espinhaco. Its loftiest summits are Mount Itacolumi, 
near Villa Rica, 6175, and Serra do Frio, 6000 feet high. A 
tliird chain, the Serra dos Vertentes, separates the conflu¬ 
ents of the Amazon, the Tocantin, and the Parnahiba, from 
those of the San Francisco, the Paraguay, and the Parana. 
None of its summits reach to a great elevation. 

3. Valleys. —The valleys of the Amazon and other 
great rivers are of immense extent, generally consisting of 
plains and undulating lands. In the foi-mer, the country is 
characterized by frequent thunder-storms and torrents of 
rain, which occur in the morning, after cloudless nights. 

4. Plain. —The whole central part of South America, 
comprised within the Andes of Bolivia, Peru, and New 
Granada, the Parima Mountains in Venezuela, and the Serra 
dos Vertentes of Brazil, including nearly the whole of the 
latter country, the northern part of Bolivia, the eastern part 
of Peru, and the southeastern districts of New Granada, 
forms a vast plain, whose area exceeds three millions of 
square miles. It is covered with a luxuriant and gigantic 
vegetation, to which the hot and humid climate gives an 
astonishing vigor. The immense and impenetrable forests 
and mighty streams of this great plain swarm with animal 
life in all its forms. Ferocious beasts of prey, huge ser¬ 
pents, alligators, troops of monkeys, flocks of gaudily col¬ 
ored and loquacious birds, and clouds of insects, are here 
yet undisturbed by the arts of man. 

5. Kivers and Lakes.— The Maranon, or Amazon, 
is the largest river in the world, in regard to its volume 
of water. It rises in the Andes of Bolivia, under the name 
of the Paro, and flowing northerly through Peru into Quito, 
receives the waters of the Tunguragua, which descends 
from the Andes of Peru and Quito; thence it runs in an 
easterly direction across the continent, emptying the accu¬ 
mulated waters of its two hundred tributaries into the ocean, 
under the equator, by a mouth l7o miles wide. The tide 
is perceptible at the distance of 600 miles from the sea, and 
the river is naviorable several times that distance for large 
ships. The principal tributaries from the south are the 
Javary, Jutay, Jurua, and Madeira, which rise in the lofty 
regipjis of Bolivia, and the Topayos and Xingu, which have 
their whole course in Brazil. From the north, it receives 
the Caqueta or Yapura, the /pa or Putumayo, and the 
Negro, the largest of its confluents. The Amazon drains 
an area of upward of two millions of square miles. The 
other principal rivers are the Para, formed by the junction 
of two great streams, the Tocantin and the Araguaya, 
the San Francisco, and the Parnaiba, which flow into the 
Atlantic Ocean. The Paraguay rises in seven lakes in 
Brazil. There are many other lakes in the south, the lar¬ 
gest of which are Patos and Miriun, near the Rio Grande. 

6. Shores, Harbors, &c. — Brazil has 2500 miles of 
sea-coast, with numerous bays and harbors. 

7. Vegetable Products, dec. —Enjoying a favorable 
climate and a fertile soil, this country produces a great va¬ 
riety and abundance of plants. The forests yield valuable 
woods for dyeing and building. All kinds of tropical prod¬ 
uce, sugar, coffee, cotton, Ac., are found in the warmer 
regions, while other districts abound in the cereal grains, 
and the fruits of temperate climates. The milk-tree. 


caoutchouc or India-rubber tree, manioc, mate, logwood, 
mahogany, ipecac, sassafras, and numerous useful woods, 
are among the native products. 

8. Aiiiinuls. —The wild animals comprise the jaguar, 
puma, and other cat species, the tapir, peccary, alligators, 
poisonous and monstrous serpents, troops of monkeys, par¬ 
rots, macaws, toucans, curassows, humming-birds, Ac. The 
plains abound with wild cattle. 

9. Minerals.— Gold is obtained both from mines and 
from washings, in various places. Copper and salt abound. 
Iron and platinum are met w'ith. Diamonds are found in 
several districts. The diamond district in the province of 
Minas Geraes belongs to the crown, and all strangers are 
strictly excluded from it. The diamonds are obtained by 
washings, by means of which they are separated from the 
earth in which they are contained. Slaves are employed in 
working the mines. If a slave finds a gem of extraordinary 
value, he obtains his liberty. 

10. Climate. —In the northern parts, and in the neigh¬ 
borhood of the Amazon, the climate is hot and moist. 
Toward the south, it is temperate and healthy, and through¬ 
out a considerable portion of the country it may be described 
as highly agreeable and genial. Here, as in other parts of 
South America, south of the equator, the summer and win¬ 
ter months are reversed, June, July, and August belong 
to the latter, and December, January, and February belong 
to the former. 

11. Soil. —In the west, near the Gerat Mountains, are 
elevated plains, called Campos Parexis, forming a sandy 
and nearly barren desert. The larger part of the rest of 
Brazil is fertile. Along the rivers are some of the richest 
lands in the world. 

12. Divisions.— Brazil is divided as follows: 


ProTtnee*. 


San Pedro de Rio Grando, on i 

south shore—arid.1 

Santa Catharina—small mari- i 

time province.) 

San Paulo—maritime province,) 

fertile. ( 

Rio de Janeiro—small province ) 

on coast. ( 

Espirito Santo, on coast—imfer- > 

tile. < 

Bahia, on coast. 

Sergipe, on coast—small prov- i 

ince, imfertile.i 

Alagoas — small province, on i 

coast.I 

Pernambuco — large province, ( 
east, exten&ive sugar plauta-< 

tions.( 

Parahiba—small province, on coast 

Rio Grando do Norte. 

Ceara, on coast—grazing district.. 
Piauhi—grain and gnazing district 
Maranham — fertile, near the i 

coast. ( 

Para—vast maritime province — 
Mato Grosso—Ue most western i 

province.1 

Goyaz—central table-land. 

Minas Geraes. 


Pop’n. 

Chief Towns. 

Pop*n« 

160,000 

1 Porto Alegre.| 

12,000 

07,218 

300,000 



1 San Paulo . j 

22,032 

430,000 

1 Rio do Janeiro.| 

170,000 

40,000 

1 Victoria.| 

5,000 

650,000 


100,000 

167,397 

1 Sergipe, or San Christovao | 

— 

100,000 

1 Macayo ..| 

5,000 

320,000 

55.144 

100,000 

160,000 







Fortaleza. 

3,000 

60,000 





200,000 

1 Maranham.| 

30,000 

230,000 

Belem.. 

10,000 

40,000 

1 Cuyaba.| 

3,020 

72,502 





730,000 

Ouro Preto. 

8,000 


13. Ag:i*iculturc. —This is the chief employment, but 
it is rudely conducted. The raising of cattle, horses, and 
mules, upon the great plains, is the chief object of the 
farmers there. Maize, sugar, coffee, cotton, rice, wheat, 
and tobacco are produced. Nearly all the labor of the 
country is performed by slaves. 

14. Manufactures.— These are in their infancy, being 


3. Valleys? 4. Plains? 5. Rivers and lakes? 6. Shores, har- 10. Climate? 11. Soil? 12. Divisions? 13. Agriculture? 
bars Ac.? 7. Vegetable products? 8. Animals? 9. Minerals ? ^ 1.^. Manufactures? 1.5. Commerce ? 15. Mining? ll.Inhabi, 


















































174 THE ATLANTIC OCEAN. 


confined to cotton-weaving, tanning, and the production of 
goods of primary necessity. 

15. Commerce. —This is considerable. The exports 
consist of hides, tallow, diamonds, gold-dust, dyewoods, cof¬ 
fee, cotton, sugar, tobacco, (fee. Coffee is the chief staple. 

16. Milling:. —The mines employ a large number of 
persons. The best diamond mines are wrought by govern¬ 
ment. There is also an English mining company actively 
employed. 

17. Inhabitants. —A large portion of the country has 
never been explored, and is occupied by savage tribes of 
independent Indians. The population of the part actu¬ 
ally under the government of the whites is composed of 
1,200,000 whites, principally Portuguese, or of Portuguese 
origin, but including a considerable number of Swiss and 
German emigrants ; 2,600,000 slaves, partly black, and 
partly of mixed races ; 800,000 free colored persons, also 
consisting of blacks and different mixed breeds ; and 400,000 
Indians. The Brazilians are cheerful, good-humored, and 
intellirrent, though little has been done to diffuse the means 
of education in the country. 

18. Relig:ioii, &c. —The established religion is the 
Roman Catholic, no other being tolerated except in the do¬ 
mestic circle ; the government is a constitutional monarchy. 
Justices of the peace are elected by the people. Trial by 
jury is established. The standing army consists of 17,000 
men, and the navy of sixty-seven vessels. 

19. Chief Towns. — Rio Janeiro, often called simply 
Rio, is the capital and principal city of the empire. It has 
one of the finest harbors in America. Bahia, Pemamhuco, 
and Maranham are important and flourishing commercial 
places. 

20. History. —Pinzon, one of the companions of Co¬ 
lumbus, first saw the coast of Brazil, north of the Amazon, 
in 1499 ; but the chief discovery was made by the Portu¬ 
guese, under Cabral, who, while on a voyage to the East 
Indies, accidentally came in sight of the southern coast. 
May 3, 1500. No gold was at first discovered here, and 
the most valuable exports consisted of dyewood, from which 
the name of Brazil was given to the country. The settle¬ 
ments of the Portuguese advanced but slowly, and the other 
European nations, French, English, and Dutch, disputed 
with tliem the possession of so great an extent of coast. 
In 1690, mines of gold were discovered in Brazil, and 
diamonds shortly afterward. These discoveries raised 
the country to the level of the richest Spanish posses¬ 
sions in America, and made it the most important source 
of revenue to the crown of Portugal. In the southern por¬ 
tions, a band of adventurers, called Paulists, formed a sort 
of democratic government in the early part of the seven¬ 
teenth century, and for many years le(l a life of wild inde¬ 
pendence, making frequent incursions among bhe savage 
tribes, for the purpose of enslaving the natives. This law¬ 
less community was broken up about the middle of the last 
century. When the French invaded Portugal, in 1807, the 
royal family escaped to Brazil, where they continued to 
dwell, after the expulsion of the invaders. On the over¬ 
throw of Napoleon, Brazil was raised from the rank of a 
colony to that of a kingdom. The inhabitants of Portugal 
testified their discontent at this change, and compelled the 


ants ? 18. Religion, <frc. ? 19. Chief tokens ? 20. History ? When 
did Brazil declare her independence ? 

Exercises on the Map of the Atlantic Ocean.— What is 
the extent of the Atlantic Ocean? Length? Width? Depth? 


king to return to Lisbon in 1821, leaving his son, Don 
Pedro, as regent of Brazil. The Brazilians were now re¬ 
solved to throw off all connection with the mother country. 
Accordingly, on the 12th October, 182^, they declared 
themselves independent, and conferred the crown on Don 
Pedro, with the title of Emperor of Brazil. The king find¬ 
ing resistance unavailing, formally resigned his claim to the 
government of Brazil in 1825. Brazil is now a limited 
monarchy, with a senate and house of representatives, both 
elected by the people. Under this government, the coun¬ 
try has been generally tranquil and prosperous. 

Lesson XC...TIie Atlantic Ocean. 

1. Characteristics. —This ocean separates Europe 
and Africa from America, and is the great highway of com¬ 
merce between the two continents. 

2. Currents.— There are several remarkable currents 
in the Atlantic. 1. The South Atlantic Current, coming 
round the Cape of Good Hope, and passing northward along 
the coast of Africa, meets a northern current at the Gulf 
of Guinea. Here it takes a western course. 2. 'Hho, Equa¬ 
torial Current, commenced by the preceding, flows from 
east to west. Off Cape St. Roque it divides, one stream 
setting south toward Cape Horn, and the other northward. 

3. This latter passes west into the Gulf of Mexico, whence, 
having made the circuit of that sea, it issues, with great 
velocity, through the Florida Channel into the Atlantic. 
Here it takes the name of the Gulf Stream. Its velocity 
diminishes as it passes northward. Off Cape Henlopen it is 
five miles an hour. It touches the Grand Banks of New¬ 
foundland, and crosses the ocean to the Azores. Here it 
turns southward, and proceeds toward Africa, where it as¬ 
sists the Equatorial Current, as just stated. 

3. Vegetation. —Two great fields of sea-weed are 
known in the Atlantic. One is between latitude 25° and 
36° north, and longitude 30° and 32° west; the other be¬ 
tween 22° and 26° north, and 70° and 72° west. These are 
so thick as to impede the progress of vessels. Some sea¬ 
weed grows to the length of 1000 feet. Of the species 
called rock-weed, kelp is made. One kind of sea-weed is 
eaten as a salad. 

4. History. —It is uncertain at what period the Atlan¬ 
tic Ocean was first discovered. The Phcenicians are sup¬ 
posed to have traversed it, along the coasts of Europe, 900 
years before Christ. In the time of Pharaoh Necho, about 
600 years before Christ, vessels sailed around Africa, from 
the Straits of Babelmandel, and returned to Egypt through 
the Straits of Gibraltar. The Carthaginians were in the 
habit of sending their ships to Spain, England, Ireland, and 
the Baltic, several hundred years before the Christian era. 
They had some settlements on the west coast of Africa, 
and it is conjectured that their vessels actually crossed to 
the West Indies. This, however, is doubtful. The North¬ 
men discovered Iceland in 860, Greenland in 981, and New 
England about 1000 A. D. In general, however, the At¬ 
lantic was considered by the people of Europe as a bound¬ 
less and interminable sea, till the voyage of Columbus in 
1492. 


The principal islands? Distances? Boundaries of the Atlantic? 

LESSON XC. 1. Characteristics of the Atlantic? 2. Cur¬ 
rents ? 3. Vegetation ? 4. History ? What of the Phoenicians, 

Carthaginians, and Northmen ? 













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Extent of Atlantic 
Ocean. 

20 to 25,000,01)0 sq. miles. 

Length. 

Nine thousand miles. 

Width. 

Miles. 

Cape St. Roque to 

Cape Palmas.2500 

Cape Horn to Cape 
of Good Hope .. ..5000 
Boston to Liverpool.3i)00 
Greenland toSwedenlSOO 

Depth. 

Feet, 

Mean depth of the 

Atlantic.3000 

Greatest ascertained 
deptn ..7400 


Principal Islands. 

On the Weetem Coast* 

Iceland, 

Greenland, 

Newfoundland, 

Bermudas, 

West ladies. 

On the Eastern Coast* 

Great Britain, 
Ireland, 

The Azores, 
Canaries, 

Madeira, 

Cape Verd, 
Ascension, 

St. Helena. 


Distances frDin ■ 
New York. 

Greenland...1800 

Iceland...£600 

Savannah.680 

Chagrres.23ii6 

Havana.1^20 

Panama.2.358 

San Francisco.6800 

Lima.3683 

Cape Horn.6672 

Cape of Good Hope.7923 

Liberia.4517 

Spain.3400 

Alsfiera.4000 

Cairo.5020 

Athens.4934 

Rome.4300 

Havre.3164 

Liverpool.3084 



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Lesson XCI...General View. 

1. Cliaracferistics.— Europe, the least extensive of 
the five Grand Divisions of the globe, surpasses them all in 
wealth, intelligence, and general civilization. 

2. Itloiiiitains. — Four great systems of mountains 
spread their numerous branches over this continent. The 
Pyrenees separate France and Spain, and extend in several 
parallel chains through .the peninsula. The Al 2 )s are the 
principal trunk of the second great European system of 
mountains, whose branches stretch into France, Germany, 
Italy, Hungary, Turkey, and Greece. The Vosges, the Jura, 
and the Cevennes in France are its western spurs. The Aljis, 
which extend between France and Italy, and the latter and 
Switzerland, send off a long southern chain through Italy, 
under the name of the Apennines, and stretching easterly 
through the country to the south of the Danube, reach the 
Black Sea under the name of the Balkan, and the Morea 
under the name of the Pindus. The highest summits are 
in Switzerland and Savoy. A third mountainous system is 


The Alps, as seen from the Italian Plains. 

the Carpathian, Avhich nearly surrounds Hungary, and ex¬ 
tends along the frontiers of Moldavia, sending off several 


low ranges into Germany. The fourth system of moun¬ 
tains is the Scandinavian, which traverses the peninsula 
of Norway and Sweden, and nowhere exceeds an eleva¬ 
tion of 8500 feet. The following are the principal ele¬ 
vations :— 


F-et. 

Al])s, Switzerland. 1.5,72!2 

Pyrenees, Spain. 11,500 

Apennines, Italy. 9,521 

Etna, Sicily....'. 11,000 

Corsican. 10,000 


Feet. 

Balkan, Turkey. 10,000 

Pindus, Creece. 7.700 

Carpathian, Austria. 10,000 

Ben Nevis, Scotland. 4,370 

Snowdon, Wales. 3,570 


3. Valleys. —Most of the rivers arc bordered by vales, 
which have become the seat of numerous cities and a 
teeming population.® 

4. Rivers. —The principal river of Europe is the Volga, 
the only stream whose length reaches 2000 miles. The 
Danube was long considered the largest European river ; 
but jj; has a much shorter course. It rises in the Black 
Forest in Baden, becomes navigable at Ulm in Bavaria, 
passes through the Austrian empire, and separates Austria, 
Wallachia, and Russia from the Ottoman empire; after re¬ 
ceiving thirty nai igable streams, it enters the Black Sea by 
five principal mouths. The other chief rivers are included 
in the following: table : 


Miles. 

Volga, Russi.a. 2000 

Danube, Austria. 1C30 

Dnieper, Russia. 1050 

Don, do. 800 

Rhine, Germany —. 830 

Vistula, do. 650 

Loire, France. 620 


Miles. 

Rhone, France. 540 

Seine, do. 480 

Douro, Spain. 4.50 

Po, Italy. 380 

Thames, England. 215 

Shannon, Ireland. 220 

Tiber, Italy. 210 


5. L-alces.— The following are the principal lakes :— 


Extent in i 
square miles. 

Ladoga, Russia. 6350 

Onega, do. 3300 


Extent in 
square niiied. 

Leman, or Lake of Geneva . 380 

Maggiore, Italy. 150 


Wener^weden. 2150 i Neulbhatel, Switzerland . 115 

6. Capes.— The most northerly extremity of the main¬ 
land is North Kyn, in Finmark ; Cope. North is the extreme 
point of Mageroe, an island of Norway. Cape Skagen, or 
the Skaw, the northern extremity of Jutland, gives name 
to the Skagerack. Cape Lindesnoes, or the Naze, is the south¬ 
ern point of Sweden. Capte Wrath, on the northern coast 
of Scotland, Cajie Clear, in Ireland, and Land's End, in 
England, are the most noted capes of the British isles. Cape 
La Hogue, on the northwest coast of France, Cape Finis-, 
terre, in Spain, Capes Roca and St. Vincent, in Portugal, 
project into the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Sp^rtivento, in Italy, 
and Cape Matapan, in Greece, are the principal points in 
the Mediterranean. 

7. Peninsulas. —Europe is much indented by arms of 
the sea, which form numerous peninsulas. The Scandina¬ 
vian peninsula, comprising Norway, Sweden, and Lapland, 
is the largest; the isthmus, between the Gulf of Bothnia 
and the White Sea, is less than 200 miles across. The 
peninsula of Jutland is much smaller. In the south, Spain 
and Portugal form a large peninsula, with an isthmus of 
about 220 miles across. Ltaly, the Morea, joined to the 


± 


Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Europe ? Extent ? 
PopuloMon ? Between what countries are the following : White Sea ? 
Gulf of Bothnia ? Baltic Sea ? North Sea ? English Channel ? 
Bay of Biscay? Straits of Gibraltar? Mediterranean Sea ? Gulf 
of Venice? Archipelago? Black Sea? What two great lakes in 
Russia ? Between what waters are the following, and to what land 
are they attached: Peninmla of Norway? Sweden? Spain and 
Portugal ? Italy ? Greece ? In what waters are the follotoing 
islands: Iceland? Faroe Isles? Orkney Isles? Ireland? Great 


Britain (England, d'c.) ? Balearic Isles? Sardinia? Corsica? 
Sicily? Candia? In what country is each of the follotoing mount¬ 
ains : Alps? Pyrenees? Apennines? Etna? Balkan? Car¬ 
pathian? Dofrafield? Describe the following rivers : Volga; Don; 
Danube ; Rhine ;. Vistula ; Weser ; Loire ; Rhone ; Seine ; 
Guadiana ; Tagus. Boundaries and capitals of each political di¬ 
vision ? 

LESSOIT XCI. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains t 

3. Valleys? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes? G. Capes? 1. Peninsulast 






































































































8 Seas and Gulfs? 9. Islands? 10. Natural curiosities, mineral 


springs, 6:c.? 11. Vegetable products? 1.2. Animals ? 1.3. Minerals ? 


178 


EUROPE, 


numerous and prolific vineyards in the world. Tn Spain, 
Italy, and Greece, the orange, lemon, fig, and oliv'e i-each 
their perfection. In general, it may be remarked that tlie 
varieties of the oak, ash, chestnut, walnut, maple, etc., Avhile 
resembling those in this country, are still of different species. 
There are very few indigenous vegetables or animals in Eu¬ 
rope, which are identical with corresponding species in 
America. 

12. Animals _Many of the original animals of Europe 

have been extermin¬ 
ated. The lion, tiger, 
and ostrich, which, 
doubtless, once roamed 
in its forests, have dis¬ 
appeared. Monkeys are 
only found on the rocky 
bights of Gibraltar. 
The wild bull is still 
met with in the thick 
woods of Russia. The 

A Vineyard in the Tyrol. mOufflon is foUnd in 

Greece, Sardinia, and Corsica ; the ibex in Candia and the 
Alps ; the chamois, the hunting of which is followed with 
ardor, is found in small flocks on the mountains of cen¬ 
tral Europe ; the elk, resembling our moose, inhabits the 
north. Reindeer are numerous, and are domesticated among 
the Laplanders. The stag, fallow-deer, roebuck, wild-boar, 
lynx, wild-cat, weasel, pole-cat, marten, sable, genet, badg¬ 
er, glutton, brown and black bear, fox, wolf, jackal, 
hare, rabbit, squirrel, marmot, beaver, hedgehog, otter, 
and porcupine are found in different places. The birds 1 


continent by the narrow isthmus of Corinth, and the Crimea, 
extending into the Black Sea, are the other most remarkable 
projections of this nature. 

8. Seas iiml Gulfs. —On the northern coast is the 
White Sea, frozen a considerable part of the year. The 
North Sea, or German Ocean, lies between Great Bribiin 
and the continent. Its extent is 200,000 square miles. The 
Baltic Sea, between Sweden, Russia, and Germany, is 000 
miles long, and has an area of 120,000 square miles. It 
has high tides, is exposed to violent storms, and is shallow in 
many places. The Bag of Biscay is an open bay between 
France and Spain. The Mediterranean, between Europe 
and Africa, is 2000 miles long, 200 to 800 wide, Avith an 
area of 1,000,000 square miles. Its highest tides do not 
exceed two feet. A stronsf current throu£rh the Dardanelles 
brings the waters of the Black Sea"nto it: at the Straits of 
Gibraltar, a strong central current brings the waters of the 
Atlantic into it, Avhile two lateral currents pour them back 
into the ocean. The Black Sea is an immense lake between 
Europe and Asia. Including the Sea or Gulf of Azof, it 
covers 3000 square miles. 

9. Islands. —Among the islands are the groups of Nova 
Zemhla and Spitzhergen, in the Arctic Ocean, both claimed 
by Russia. They are cold, barren, and desolate, entirely 
uninhabited, except that there is a small Russian hunting post 
on the latter. They are visited in summer for the purpose 
of taking Avhales, Avalruses, and seals, which abound along 
the coast. Subterranean stone labyrinths of great antiquity 
have been discovered in Nova Zembla. The other principal 
islands are noticed in the following table :— square miiee. 

Great Britain, including England, Wales, and Scotland. 84,700 

Ireland. 3:2,000 

Iceland, described under America. 40,000 

Sicily. 12,.500 

Sardinia . 9,120 

Ckji-sica. 3,888 

Malta. 133 

Balearic, belonging to Spain. 1,650 

Candia, belonging to Egypt. , 4,000 

10. Natural Curiosities, Mineral Springes, &c. 

—There are nu¬ 
merous caverns, 
waterfalls, min- < 

eral springs, gla¬ 
ciers, and other 
curiosities in dif- ^ 
ferent parts of 
Europe, which 
will be particu¬ 
larly described in 

connection ivith Fingal's Cave, hi .lid of St'ijfa, Scuttond. 

the places in Avhich they are found. 

11. VegefaWe Pro¬ 

ducts. — Europe, extending 
from the Arctic zone to the 
verge of the tropics, presents a 
great variety of vegetable pro¬ 
ducts. Far to the north, the 
vegetation consists only of 
mosses, ivith a few willows and 
other trees, Avhich are there re¬ 
duced to shrubs. In middle 
Europe, there are immense for¬ 
ests. Here all the cereal grains 
flourish, and here, as well as in 
southern Europe, are the most lAchen. 


jj.,.., vultures, 
mountainous and 


The Elk. The Wolf. 

are numerous and in great variety. Eagles, 
hawks, and owls are chiefly found in 
woody regions. The lammergeyer is a large species of vul- 
^ ture frequenting the Alps. The 

falcon, trained to hunt game, 
nearly resembles our big-footed 
haAvk. The singing birds are 
numerous, among Avhioh is the 
nightingale. Grouse, partridges, 
and quails are abundant. The 
pheasant has been introduced 
from Asia. The great bustard, 
larger than our turkey, formerly 
numerous, is noAv scarce. The 
The Lammergeyer. stork is secu building its nest 

upon the houses, and serves as a scavenger in cities, as the 
turkey-buzzard does in our southern tOAvns. The ortolan 
is a little bird highly esteemed as a luxury. Water-foAvl 
are various and numerous. The domestic foAvls, as Avell as 
the domestic cattle, mostly introduced from Asia, are the 








































EUROPE. 


179 



View of London. 



The Shetland Ton y. 


same as in this country. Many of the birds, such as grouse, 
partridges, pheasants, quails, &c., together with the hare 
and rabbit, are exceedingly numerous upon particular es¬ 
tates or preserves, where they are protected from all but the 
proprietors, by game laws. The breeding-of the horse, in¬ 
troduced from the East, 
receives great attention. 
It is curious that this 
animal dwindles to a 
pony in the northern 
British isles. Great 
use is made of the ass 
and the mule. The 
goat, in many parts, 
takes the place of the 
cow. The reptiles and 
insects of Europe are not very numerous. 

13. Minerals. —Europe is less rich in the precious min¬ 
erals than the other quarters of the globe ; but it produces 
great quantities of coal, iron, lead, tin, copper, and salt. 
Gold, silver, platina, and diamonds are found in the Ural 
Mountains, silver in Hungary, quicksilver in Spain, &c. 
Various precious stones are also met with. 

14. Climate. —In general, the climate of Southern 
Europe may be described as mild, and that of the North 
severe, with long and cold winters, and hot, but short 
summers. The climate of the western coast is, however, 
tempered by the vicinity of the ocean, and the same cause 
renders it liable to sudden and violent changes. That of 
the eastern part of the continent is rendered much colder 
in corresponding latitudes, by its exposure to the icy winds 
of Noi'thern and Central Asia. The heat brought by the 
burning winds of tlie African deserts to the soutliern 
countries, is in general tempered by their great exposure 
to the sea, occasioned by their peninsular formation. The 
mountains of Switzerland, Spain, and Hungary also modify 
the character of the climate, by cool breezes over the ex¬ 
tensive districts which they cover. 

15. Soil. —The soil of Europe is various, but in general 
it is not naturally fertile. Industrious and skillful cultiva¬ 
tion, however, has nuide it the most productive portion of 
the globe. 

10. Face of the Cousitry? Plains, &c. —The cen¬ 
tral part of this continent is, in general, mountainous. The 
whole northern part, extending from London and Paris to 
Kasan, and comprising the northern part of France and 


Germany, the Dutch and Belgian Netherlands, Prussia, 
Poland, and a great part of Russia, is a vast plain, little 
raised above the level of the sea, but broken by some 
elevations. There are several high plains or plateaus in 
Europe, but of no great extent. The Swiss plateau, lying 
between the Jura and the Alps, has an elevation of from 
1800 to 4000 feet. Central Spain forms an elevated table¬ 
land, 2200 feet high ; and the central part of Russia forms 
a similar plateau, about 1200 feet high. There are no 
vast, unbroken plains in Europe, like the prairies of the 
United States, or the pampas of South America. 

17. Political Divisions. —The following table ex¬ 
hibits the political divisions of Europe, with the religion 
and government of each country. 


Principal Countries. 

Square 

miles. 

Population. 

Pop. to 
sq. m. 

Religion. 

Capitals. 

Population. 

Nor’n Europe. 

Denmark. 

21,615 

2,279,000 

105 

Protestant.. 

Copenhagen .... 

129,616 

Sweden and Norway 

292,104 

4,700,966 

60,708,102 

27,452,262 

16 

...do. 

Stockholm. 

88,242 


2,041,000 

116,700 

30 


St. Petersburg.. 

London . 

445,225 

2,359,640 

Gen. Europe. 

G. Hrilain & Ireland. 

235 

Pro. A Cath. 


11,470 

12,569 

207,262 

17,208 

255,000 

3,236,741 

4,370,882 

35,781,628 

2,395,178 

36,965,192 

287 



63,656 

125,000 

1,200,000 

22,422 

410,947 


348 




172 




139 



Austrian Empire .... 

145 

Catholic .... 

Vienna. 

Prussian Kingdom... 

106,000 

16,669,153 

157 

Protestant.. 

Berlin. 

428,982 

Germany, exclusive of 
Austria & Prussia. 

98,104 

17,586,302 

no 

Pro. A Cath. 

Frankfort. 

68,240 

Sou. Europe. 

176,480 

34,500 

100,879 

14,216,219 

3,412^506 

18,696,283 

81 



216,740 

256,838 

180,000 


99 



Italy, exclusive of 
Austrian States.... 

199 

.. .do. 

Rome. 


10,200 

183,140 

856,470 

10,922,900 

84 


18,000 

630,000 

Turkey. 

R9 

Mahometan. 

Constantinople .. 


Is. Cities. —The cities of Europe constitute a remark¬ 
able feature of the country, on account of their great popu¬ 
lation, and the superb buildings they contain, with their vari¬ 
ous institutions for the encouragement of art, literature, and 
science. The city of London contains a population nearly 
twice as large as that of any other city on the globe. 

19. Distances.— 


Paris.1 

Amsterdam. 

Copenhagen. 

St. Petersburg • ■. 
Vienna. 


London, 22a miles. 
« 240 “ 

“ 600 “ 

« 1140 “ 

« 660 “ 


Rorrie. 

Madrid. 

Athens. 

Constantinople . • 
Berne. 


to London, 800 miles. 
“ 700 “ 

“ 1.500 « 

« 1700 “ 

« 650 “ 


20. Building'S.— Among the buildings of Europe are 
great numbers of churches of much larger extent than 
any in this country. There are numerous Gothic edifices, 
many of them now in ruins. There are castles, built by 
tlie barons of the middle ages, for the most part in a state 
of decay. The sumptuous edifices of kings and princes. 


14. Climate? 15. Soil? 16. Face of the country, plains, (be.? 


17. Political Divisions ? 18. Cities? 19. Distances from London? 



































































































































180 


EUROPE. 



li'indsvr C.tslle, England. 


called palaces, are more extensive and costly than any 
buildings in America. 

21. luilusfry.—Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, 
mining, and fisheries, are carried on in Europe with the 
greatest activity, skill, and success. 

22. Canals, Railroads, TelegrapUs. —Canals are 
numerous in Great Britain, France, and Holland. There are 
also some in other countries. Railroads and magnetic tele¬ 
graphs are spread over England, and are adopted in most 
countries throughout the west of Europe. An electric 
telegraph is carried across the English Channel from Dover 
to Calais, a distance of twenty-one miles. There is also 
one across the sea from England to Ireland, sixty miles. 

23. IiihabifanJs. —The inhabitants of Europe belong 
to twenty different races, but five of these comprise the 
great bulk of the population. 1. The German or Teutonic 
Race comprises the Germans, Dutch, Danes, Swedes, Nor¬ 
wegians, English, and a part of the Swiss : these people 
speak Teutonic dialects. 2. The Greco-Latin Race com¬ 
prises the Greeks, Albanians, Wallachians, Italians, French, 
Spaniards, and Portuguese, with a part of the Swiss. 3. 
The Sclavonic Race embraces the Russians, Poles, Lithua¬ 
nians, Bohemians, Servians, Bosnians, Dalmatians, Bulgari¬ 
ans, with the Wends of Prussia, the Serbians of Prussia 
and Saxony, the Lettes of Russia, &c. These three races 
are the most numerous. 4. To the Uralian or Finnic 
Race belong the Finns, Laplanders, Esthonians, Magyars 
or Hungarians, and some small tribes in Russia. 5. The 
Turkish Race comprises the Ottoman Turks, or ruling 
people of Turkey, the Turcomans of the same empire, and 
several tribes often called Tartars, in Russia. Besides 
these, there are some smaller tribes, among which are the 
Gypsies, called Bohemians in France, Gitanos in Spain, and 
Zingeuner in Germany ; they are a roving tribe, supposed 
to be originally from Hindostan. They are scattered all 
over Europe, and their number is estimated at 600,000 or 
800,000. They live sometimes in tents, often in caves, or 
in huts half under ground, and covered with sods. They 
rarely pursue any regular trade, but are often jugglers, 
fortune-tellers, Ac. They have a peculiar language, but 
no religion. In Spain, they hav^e fixed abodes. 

24. Religrion. —There are three great systems of re¬ 
ligious belief predominant in Europe, viz.:—I. Chris¬ 
tianity, of which the principal seat and center, though 
not its birth-place, is Europe. The Christian nations in 
Europe are divided into three leading sects, viz.: 1. The 
Greek Catholic, or Eastern Church, which prevails in 
Greece, part of Albania and Bulgaria, in Servia, Sclavonia, 


Croatia, Wallachia, Moldavia, Russia, (fee. 2. Ths 
Latin or Roman Catholic Church, of which the Pope, 
one of the sovereign powers of Europe, is the head. 
This creed is predominant in Italy, Spain, Portugal, 
France, Austria, the half of Germany and of Switzer¬ 
land, Belgium, Poland, and Ireland, and numbers 
some adherents in Great Bi itain, Holland, and Turkey. 
3. The Protestant Church, Avhich predominates, under 
different creeds, in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Great 
Britain, Prussia, and part of Germany and of Switzer¬ 
land. This faith has also numerous professors in 
Hungary, Transylvania, and France. Its principal 
branches are the Lutheran, the Presbyterian or Re¬ 
formed, and the Anglican or Episcopalian Churches. 
11. MahometaniSxM, or Islaraism, is professed by the Turks. 
HI. The Mosaic or Jewish Religion. Tliere are about 
2,500,000 Jews scattered throughout Europe. 



King, Clergy, and Kobles. 


25. Govei’iiiBieiif, Classes. —The governments of 
Europe are chiefly monarchical; and in almost every 
European state we find the citizens divided into four dis¬ 
tinct classes. The first is that of the nobility, which exists 
in most states, Avith the exception of Norway, Swit¬ 
zerland, France, and the Turkish Empire. Nobility is, in 
most cases, viewed in Europe as an hereditary rank ; but it 
can be acquired by the will of the sovereign, and, in some 
instances, purchased by money. The clergy form the sec¬ 
ond class of the community. The third class is that of 
the citizens, or inhabitants of towns, which in most coun¬ 
tries enjoys peculiar rights and privileges. The fourth and 
lowest class includes the peasants, and forms the mass of 
the population in every country. 

26. Ancient Ocog:i’npliy. —It Avill be understood 
that geography has been a progressive science. In the 
early ages of the world, mankind had no just notions either 
of its extent or form. Homer, who flourished about 1000 
B. C., may be supposed to have had as enlightened ideas 
of geography as were then entertained. He supposed the 
earth to be a vast plain, surrounded by a shoreless ocean ; 
beneath he placed Elysium, or Paradise, and Tartarus, or 
hell. Above was the arch of heaven, supposed to rest on 
the mountains as pillars. The sun, moon, and stars were 
supposed to rise from the sea in the morning, and to set in 
it at night. It was believed that those who lived in the 
remote west could hear the hissing noise of the fierv 
orb of day as he plunged into the ocean ! The Hebrew 
writers of the Old Testament had very limited views of 
geography—possessing no knowledge beyond the territory 


ants? 2^. Religion? 25. Government ? 2&. Ancient Geography ? 


20. Buildings? 21. Industry? 22. Canals, Ac.? 23. Inhabil 





















































EUROPE. 


181 



THE WOREI) 

as ^owuto the Ancients 


s% 

jTnirw'i?. 

ARAM*^>l^jf.K T-32%^^ 

m^rl^ 

Ic j'^ arf ws -j:::::>-^-J-.J. 

iVc-L-ia?‘T \ti' 

^' pji^'iT. - --. 




►cyond IniUua. 


m; 5 fe‘V 


famljia '% 


iianiiiu_^ 
1{ I AL 
‘'na 


'Macoraba 

- 


ar^ 


ub till Us 


•otnGrceAwicii 


within a, fetv lutndred miles around Palestine. The writers 
of the New Testament knew only the countries included in 
tlie annexed map. Thales, a Greek philosopher, had con¬ 
ceived the globular form of the earth, 600 B. C., and this 
idea was afterward familiar to learned men, but it was not 
established till modern times. At the commencement of 
the Christian Era, when the Roman Empiie was at its 
greatest extent, and knowledge and civilization at the 
highest point to which they attained in ancient times, 
not only was the American Continent unknown, but a 
large part of Asia, Europe, and Africa had been unex¬ 
plored. In ordar to understand ancient history, it will be 
necessary to keep in view not merely the extent of geo¬ 
graphical knowledge at that time, but the political di¬ 
visions of the earth, and the names they then bore. As 
a iireliminary view on this point, we give a map of the 
World as known to the Ancients, remarking, generally, that 
it embraced the north of Africa, the wdiole of Western 
Asia, except the northern extremity, and the southern 
and central portions of Europe. In ancient geography, 
the word Africa has a much more restricted application 
than at present. Physical geography remains the same 
from age to age; or, if there is change, it is unimport¬ 
ant in a general view. The seas, the mountains, the 
rivers, the coasts of those portions of the earth embraced 
in the map, therefore, present the same prominent features 
at the present day, as those which marked them in the 
time of Caesar, of David, and of Moses. Particular por¬ 
tions of the earth, also, in manj'^ cases, bear the same names 
now as in ancient times, notwithstanding the fluctuations 
of political boundaries, and the mutations and revolutions 
of human society. The following table will be found use¬ 
ful for reference : 


ANCIENT DIVISIONS OF ASIA. 


Ancient Names. Modern Names. 

Asia Minor.Anatolia, or Natoli.-u belonging 

to tlie Ottoman Empire. 

Syria.Syria. 

Phoenicia.Part of Syria. 

Arabia.Arabia. 

Armenia.Armenia. 

As.«yria.Koordi.stan. 

Babylonia.Part of Irak Arabi. 

Media.Irak Adjemi. 

Persia..Persia 

Parthia.Part of Tartary. 

Aria.Khorassan. 

Gedrosia.Beloochistan. 

Scythia.Tartary, Chinese and Independent, 

India.Ilindostan. 

Serica.Part of China. 

Sina;.Cochin Cliina. 


ANCIENT DIVISIONS OF AFRICA. 


Ancient Namei. 


Modern Names, 


Egypt. 

Althiopia. 

Niimidia. 

Mauritania. 

Carthage. 

Africa. 

Cetulia. 

Libya. 

Libyan Desert... 
/Ethiopia Interior. 
Phazania. 


Egypt. 

■ Nubia and .Abyssinia. 

Algiers in part. 

. Fez, Morocco, and part of Algiers. 

■ Carthage in ruins, nearTimis. 
•Tunis and vicinity. 

Bled el Jerid. 

• Barca. 

• Sahara. 

Ethiopia. 

Fezzun. 


ANCIENT DIVISIONS OF EUROPE. 


Ancient Names. Modern Names. 

(Jrecia, or Greece.Greece. 

Italiii, or Italy.It.aly. 

Hispania.Spain and Portugal. 

Gaul.France. 

Britain.Britain. 

Ililxtrnia.Ireland. 

Ctilialonia.,.Scotland. 

Germany.Germany. 

Helvetia.Switzerland. 

Sarmatia...Polaiul and part of Kussia. 

Scandinavia, or Scandia.Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. 

Flanders. .Belgium. 

Batavia.Holland. 

Sicily -.Sicily. 

















































































































































EUROPE. 




View of Ancient Athens. 


27. History — Ancient Oreecc.— The history of 
Europe begins with the settlement of Greece. It is said 
that, in the year 1856 before Clirist, Inachus, a Phoenician 
adventurer, arrived with a small band of his countrymen, 
and made a permanent settlement upon this peninsula. At 
that time, Assyria and Egypt had risen to a considerable 
degree of civilization, while nearly all other nations were in 
a state of barbarism. Europe was covered with an unbroken 
forest, inhabited only by wild beasts, except that small 
bands of savages, called Pelasgians, were scattered here 
and there over the countrj'^. In 1556 B. C., a colony, 
led by an Egyptian, named Cecrops, established them¬ 
selves in Attica, and here, in due time, rose the renowned 
city of Athens. Corinth was founded in 1520. Sparta, or 
Lacedaemon, the celebrated capital of Laconia, was founded 
by Lclex, also in 1520. Cadmus, a Phoenician, founded 
the city of Thebes, in Boeotia, bringing with him alphabeti¬ 
cal writing and other useful arts, which were diffused over 
Greece. The history of these early periods, which we de¬ 
rive from the Greek writings, is obscured by fable; actual 
events being strangely blended with fabulous marvels, re¬ 
lating to gods and heroes. It is not till about the year 
1000 B. C., that history becomes authentic and relia¬ 
ble. The Greeks spread themselves over the peninsula 
and the adjacent islands, and finally planted colonies in Asia 
Minor. This active and ingenious people steadily advanced 
in prosperity, and about five centuries before the Christian 
era, the}'^ had become the most powerful, learned, and re¬ 
fined of all the nations of the earth. They were divided 
into numerous states, and frequently engaged in violent 
and desolating wars with each other. In the year 480 
B. C., they combined in defense of their country against 
Xerxes, king of Persia, who invaded their territory with an 
ai-my, consisting of from two to three millions of men. This 
defense was successful, and the invader was driven back 
witli humiliation, his army being dispersed, and his power 
broken. In the year 331 B. C., Alexander, king of 
Macedon, including Greece, invaded Persia, and, in the 
space of a few years, made himself master of the entire 

27. Ancient Greece? What of Inachus, Cecrops, Cadmus, Alex- 


Persian empire. From this time, Greece gradually declined ; 
and in the year 146 B. C., it was conquered by the Ro¬ 
mans, and reduced to a Roman province. Its arts, learn¬ 
ing, and philosophy continued, however, for many centuries, 
to exercise a civilizing influence ; and, even at the present 
day, the relics of its eminent writers, which have survived, 
impart instruction to the classical scholar. 

28. Ancient Rome. — Rome is said to have been 
founded in the year 753 B. C., by Romulus, belonging 
to a Greek colony settled in that quarter. He collected 
together, by his policy, a considerable number of brave 
and daring men. By degrees, a great city rose on the 
banks of the little river Tiber, where the present city 
of Rome stands. Various tribes, some of them more civil¬ 
ized than the Romans, at this time inhabited Italy; but 
these were all gradually subdued and brought under the 
Roman sway. Several able sovereigns succeeded Romu¬ 
lus ; but in the year 509 B. C., in consequence of the 
misconduct of the king, named Tarquin the Proud, an in¬ 
surrection arose, headed by Brutus, which resulted in chang¬ 
ing the government to a republic. From this time, th^e 
power of Rome gradually increased, until she became mis¬ 
tress of nearly the whole civilized world. About the year 
45 B. C., the Roman republic was overturned by Julius 
Caesar. Several ambitious men now struggled for the 
supreme power, till the year 30 B. C., when Augustus 
Caesar gained the ascendency, and was declared emperor. 
At this period, the empire embraced nearly the whole of 
Europe, the northern and northeastern portions of Africa, 
and all Western Asia. It continued, under various em¬ 
perors, for several hundred years. In the year 395 A. D., 
the empire was divided into the Eastern and Western. The 
capital of the former was at Constantinople. Its territories 
extended over Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, &c. This 
power is often called in history the Greek Empire, and also 
the Byzantine Empire. The Western Empire had Rome 
for its capital, and compiised the larger portion of Europe; 
but in the year 476 A. D., it was finally overwhelmed by 
numei'ous warlike tribes from the north. 

under, ckc. ? 28. A7icient Rome ? Its origin, supremacy, and fall ? 














































































29. The Barbarians ? What of Alaric and Attila? 30. The 


Middle Ages ? What was the state of Europe during this period f 


EUROPE. 


183 


29. The Barhariaiis. —The people •who thus destroyed 
the Roman empire consisted of various nations of barbarians 
from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and different parts of 
Germany. For two thousand years prior to this event, 
numerous tribes from the central jiortions of Asia had con¬ 
tinued to emigrate to northern Europe ; some passing north 
of the Caspian, and others between the Caspian and Black 
Seas. Among these Avas a very numerous tribe called 
Celts, who settled in Fi-ance, then called Gaul. Spreading 
in various directions, some passed into Spain, some into 
northern Italy, and some to England, Ireland, and Wales. 
Portions of these made several formidable attacks upon 
their southern neighbors, at an early date. In the year 
366 B. C., 70,000 of them marched against Rome, and 
got possession of the cit}', e.\cepting the Capitol. The 
cackling of the sacred geese in the Temple of J uno gave 
warning to the sentinels, as the Gauls, at night, Avere about 
to surprise this fortress. The Romans only saved their city 
from destruction by a heaA'y tribute in gold. In the year 
278 B. C., an immense force, under Brennus, ravaged 
Northern Greece ; but they Avere dispersed and driven 
back. Julius Ccesar marched into Gaul, and, after sacri¬ 
ficing a million of men, reduced that country to a Roman 
province. In Germany, the tribes Avere numerous, and of 
a Avarlike disposition. These bore the general name of 
Teutones, including various minor divisions. Besides these 
Avere the Goths, Avho had settled in SAveden and the vicin¬ 
ity ; the Vandals, a kindred tribe in the same quarter ; the 
Ostrogoths, of Austria; the Suevi, near the Baltic, and 
many others. These people increased in numbers and 
poAver, and, as the Roman empire became Aveakened, they 
greAV exceedingly troublesome and dangerous. About the 
year 410 A. t)., Alaric, king of the Visigoths, a people 
dAV'elling on the Danube, thrice marched against Rome, and 
in two instances made himself master of it. In the year 


Attila. 


451, Attila, king of the Huns, crossed the Alps, and, ad¬ 
vancing toAvard Rome, threatened that city with destruc¬ 
tion. This was only prevented by large bribes given to the 
barbarian chief by the Pope. The Roman empire had been 
built up by making Avar, Avithout scruple or mercy, on all 
other nations. The day of retribution Avas noAv at hand. 
The Romans were enfeebled by luxury, and degraded by 
every species of vice and corruption. The northern nations 


Avere poor, but vigorous, daring, and Avarlike. Alaric and 
Attila had taught them the Avay to Rome. The rich cities 
and smiling valleys of Italy seemed to invite them to ex¬ 
change their cold and sterile homes, Avith their poverty, for 
the boundless riches and happy climate of the south. They 
Avere not long in yielding to this temptation. Like a mighty 
river breaking its boundaries, they came over the Alps in a 
living and impetuous torrent, taking possession not only of 
Italy, Spain, and parts of Greece, but they SAvept across 
the Mediterranean, and settled down upon the cultiA^ated 
parts of Northern Africa. 

30. The ITIiddIc Ag;c$. —The CA'ents that immediately 
preceded the fall of Rome Avere of the most terrific charac¬ 
ter. The Avhole of Europe seemed covered with armies of 
fighting men. There Avas, indeed, a general movement 
from Great Britain to the shores of China, in Asia. The 
lives of several millions of human beings Avere sacrificed in 
this frightful convulsion. At last, Odoacer, chief of the 
Heruli, a German peo})le, Avas made king of Rome. The bar¬ 
barians had noAV full possession of Italy. Roman civilization 
Avas at once extinguished. The books, paintings, statues, 
and AAmrks of art Avhich the Romans had robbed from other 
nations, or had themselves produced, were destroyed by 
its rude and illiterate conquerors. The Dark Ages, or, as 
they are frequently called, the Middle Ages, Avhich con¬ 
tinued for a thousand yeai's, now began. Kings and princes 
noAv made it their boast that they could neither read nor 
Avrite. Learning AA^as almost Avholly confined to the monks. 
In the universal ignorance, an infinite A^ariety of supersti¬ 
tions overspread the minds of men. An eclipse of the sun 
AA'as thought to be a forerunner of the end of the earth; 
comets Avere deemed fiery monstere, threatening Avar, pes¬ 
tilence, and famine ; and eA^en common events Avere imputed 
to miraculous causes. The belief in witchcraft Avas univer¬ 
sal. Ghosts Avere imagined to Avalk abroad at night, fairies 
to dance in the mea- 
doAvs; and every 
house and home 
Avas haunted by 
good or evil spir¬ 
its. Men Avere tried, 
not by judge and 
jury, but by orde¬ 
als of fire and Ava- 
ter. Judicial perju¬ 
ry prevailed every 
Avhere. Robbery 
by land, and piracy 
by sea, Avere prac¬ 
ticed by kings and 
nobles. Yet this 
page of darkness 
Avas relieA’ed by 
some pleasing pas¬ 
sages. We are told 
of knights and fair 

O 

ladies Avho AA^erit 
forth to the fields Avith their falcons ; knights errant trav¬ 
ersed the country in search of adventures ; the Crusades ran 
their Avild career. The Reformation broke the spell of super¬ 
stition ; one by one, the modern nations of Europe were 
founded ; and at last, about the commencement of the six¬ 
teenth century, the age of darkness ceased, and a neAv Era 


Falconer and Falcons. 

























184 


EUROPE. 


Knights in Armor.—A 

of Light dawned upon the world. We must, however, 
note some of the institutions and events which stand forth 
prominently in the history of the Middle Ages. 

31. Cliailcmagiic.— The most remarkable man who 
appeared during this gloomy period was Charles the Great, 
or Charlemagne. He was king of France, and, by his great 
military abilities, became master of Germany and Italy. In 
the year 800 A. D., he was crowned, by Pope Leo III., Em¬ 
peror of the West. He was distinguished, in an age of 
barbarism, for the encouragement of Kteiature and the arts, 
for the founding of schools and academies, for the promo¬ 
tion of commerce, and the establishment of salutary laws. 
From him may be dated the commencement of a return to 
civilization. He died A. D. 814, aged 71. 

32. Chivalry. —This curious institution took its rise 
soon after the time of Charlemagne. It consisted of vari¬ 
ous orders of knights, who were at once mounted and 
equipped as warriors, yet bound to the performance of cer¬ 
tain duties, under the sanction of religion. Many of these 
orders, as the Knights Templars, Knights of Malta, &c., 
make a distinguished figure in history. The Knights Errant 
wandered from place to place, encountering other knights, 
for the glory of victory, or to relieve the oppressed, and 
punish the wicked. In these ages, violence, injustice, 
and rapine were common among the barons, who dwelt in 
their castles, and the knights often performed prodigies of 
valor in chastising these tyrants. The love of God and the 
ladies was the chief motto of these adventurers. At a later 
period, kings and princes held tournaments, where cele¬ 
brated knights fought in the presence of kings and queens, 
and the assembled multitude. In these splendid shows, 
the combatants used pointless weapons ; yet such was their 
ardor, that they often were killed in the encounters. This 
institution, after a brilliant existence, termmated about the 


31. Charlemagne ? 32. Chivalry ! What of Knights Templars, dtc. ? 


Knight taking the Oath. 

middle of the fifteenth century. Its relics are preserved 
in monarchical countries, it being esteemed a great honor to 
receive a badge of knighthood from a sovereign, which is 
usually given for some signal service to the crown or 
country. 

33. Tlie Crusades. —Pilgrimages to holy places Avere 
deemed highly religious services in the Middle Ages. 
These became exceedingly common, especially to Jerusalem. 
About the year 1000 A. D., a terrific mania spread over 
the civilized world, from a belief that the earth Avas about 
to be destroyed. Linder this panic, multitudes thronged to 
the Holy City, Avhich at this time had* come under the 
poAver of the Turks. These subjected the pilgrims to ex¬ 
tortion and outrage. Peter the Hermit, a Picardian monk 
of France, haAung suffered these oppressions, returned to 
Europe, and, by his fiery eloquence, stirred up the people 
to reA'enge. This movement Avas seconded by the pope. 
Urban II. War against the infidels was declared ; and in 
1096, Godfrey de Bouillon, a celebrated general, led an 
army, consisting of the principal nobility of Europe, into 
Asia. Nothing could exceed the splendor of this proud 
array, except the religious zeal which animated the army, 
amounting to thousands. Every soldier Avas marked with 
a cross ; hence these wars derived their name. After im¬ 
mense slaughter, Jerusalem was taken in 1099. Six cru¬ 
sades followed this first great movement, either for the pur¬ 
pose of defending Jerusalem, which Avas threatened by the 
infidels, or for its recapture, after it was taken by the famous 
Saladin, in the year 1187. Most of them proved unfortu¬ 
nate ; yet such Avas the fanaticism of the age, that, in the 
year 1212, an army of 40,000 children set out for the con¬ 
quest of Jerusalem. It is hardly necessary to add that tliey 
all perished, either by pirates or by shipAvreck, save a fcAv, 
who Avere carried into slaA^ery by the Saracens. 

Tournaments? 33. The Crusades? How did they originate? 
























EUROPE. 


185 



j 34. Tlie Feudal System first appeared in an organ- 
! ized form in France, during the time of Hugh Capet, about 
986 A. D. Its leading principle was the holding of lands 
on condition of rendering military service when required. 
Thus, the king was supposed to be lord or sovereign of the 
I whole territory. This he parceled out to certain chiefs, 
j barons, or nobles, on condition that they should serve him 

I with their troops in case of need. These nobles gave occu- 

j pation of their lands to the common people, upon the same 
terms the king had exacted of them. This military or 
feudal service was afterward compromised, in many cases, 
for formal acts of homage, some of them highly ridiculous, 
along with payment in money or goods. The character of 
some of these acts of homage is indicated by the conditions 
of a certain fief in England. The holder of the land was 
required to present himself annually, on some day of fes¬ 
tivity, before his lord, making three jumps in the air ; his 
mouth being open at the same time. 

35. Tlie Papacy. —This institution originated with 
Boniface III., Bishop of Rome, who was made (Ecumenical, 
or Universal Bishop, in the seventh century. From this 
time, file Roman pontiffs gradually extended their sway, 
until, at last, they not only claimed to be supreme legis¬ 
lators in the church, but to have power over temporal 
kingdoms. Gregory VII., or Hildebrand, who became 
pope in 1073, claimed to be Christ’s vicegerent, and as 
such, king of kings. He extorted tribute from France, 
Spain, England, Denmark, Poland, and Germany ; requiring 
the kings and princes of these countries to do homage to 
the Roman pontiff, and to hold their thrones, as well as 
their territories, under his jurisdiction. Various causes con- 
. tributed to break down this terrible usurpation. The final 
overthrow of its pretensions was effected by the Reforma¬ 
tion in Germany, begun by the celebrated Martin Luther, 
in the sixteenth century. From this time, the authority of 
the pope has been confined to spiritual matters. He is 
now king of a small territory, including the city of Rome. 
Beyond this he has only ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and even 
in this his power is limited by a council of cardinals. 

i 34. The feudal system ? 35. The Papacy i 36. The modem 

I 24 


36. The Modern King:doms of Furope. —The 

present states and kingdoms of Europe hav'e all originated 
within the period of what is called Modern History. France 
became a kingdom in the time of Clovis, A. D. 481 ; En¬ 
gland in 827 ; and Spain in 1479. The power of Austria 
was founded in 1273 ; Prussia became a kingdom in 1701 ; 
Germany became a distinct monarchy in 883 ; Denmark 
about 1050; and Russia about 1050. . These kingdoms 
were originally built up on the feudal system ; but though 
in some cases the forms of government continue, their 
original character has yielded to the softening influence of 
modem civilization. 

37. ChroBiolog'y of Principal Events: ' 


B. C. 

First settlement of Greece by Inachus.1850 

Athens founded.1556 

Trojan war.1184 

The celebrated poet, Homer, lived...lOttO 

Rome founded. 753 

Tiu-quin expelled. 509 

Rome taken by the Gauls. 389 

Alexander sets out for the conqitest of Persia. 331 

Greece reduced to a Roman province. ■ 146 

Gaul, or France, conquered by Caisar. 55 

Great Rritain invaded by Ciesar. 55 

Beginning of the Roman empire. 30 

i.. D. 

London founded by dhe Romans. 50 

Roman emjjire divided. 395 

End of the Roman Empire in the West. 476 

Spain conquered by the Saracens. 713 

Charlemagne crowned Emperor of the West. 800 

First Crusade.1096 

Kingdom of Portugal founded .1132 

Gunpowder first known in Europe.1330 

Printing invented.1444 

America discovered by Columbus.1492 

Beginning of Luther’s Reformation.1517 

Telescopes invented in Germany.1590 

Charles 1. of England beheaded.1642 

Prussia becomes a kingdom.1701 

Great earthquake at Lisbon.1755 

French revolution.1789 

Louis XVi. beheaded.1793 

Italy conquered by Bonaparte.1796 

Napoleon Bonaparte crowned Emperor of France.1804 

Battle of Waterloo—Napoleon overthrown.1815 

Heath of Napoleon. 1821 

Ffench revolution—Louis Philippe proclaimed king.1830 

Belgium separated from Holland...1830 

Victoria proclaimed queen of Great Britain.1837 

Accession of Pius IX., Pope of Rome.1846 

Louis Philippe dethroned—France a republic.1848 


kingdoms of Europe? 37. Chronology of principal events? 










































































































































































































GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 


j Lesson XCII...United Kingdom of Great 
Britain and Ireland. 



I 

i 



I 



Buckingham Palace, 


1. Characteristics. —This kingdom is the richest and 
most powerful on the face of the globe. Tlie seat of the 
government lies in the British Islands, London being the 
capital. These are called the United Kingdom of Great 
Britain and Ireland, and, with their immense possessions 
in every quarter of the world, constitute the British Empire. 
The sovereign rules over a larger territory than any other 
on tlie globe, and over a larger population than any other, 
except the Emperor of China. The following table gives a 
view of the British Islands : • 


Square miles. 


Extent of British Islands.116,700. 

England and Wales. 55,100. 

Scotbmd. . ^^0.600. 

Ireland.3*2,000. 

Adjacent Islands. 


Popnlfttion. 
. 27,45-2,‘262 
. 17.9>9,768 
. 2.'GU,784 
. 6,515,794 
14-2,916 


2. ITIouiitaiiis.— Tlie following are the principal: 

Hig-ht in feel. 1 Hightinfeet. 

Ben \evis, Scotland. 4370 Cumberland, England. 3000 

Grampians,...-do. 4000 I Snowdon, Wales. 3C00 

. 3. Kivers.— The following are the principal: 


Length in miles. 


Thames, England. 215 

Severn,...-do. 210 

Dee, Wales. 60 


Length in miles. 


Shannon, Ireland. 220 

Forth, Scotland . 170 

Tweed,, .do. 60 


4. Extent aii«l Population. —The following table 
contains the chief portions of the British empire: 


^ Population. 

British Islands. 27 4.")2.262 

North Americii, nrnr.'y .... 2,400,000 

West Indies, S. America... S45,000 

Africa, at Sierra Leone, and 
Cape of Good Hope — . 300,000 

East India Company’s terri¬ 
tories, Hindostan. 130,000,000 


Population. 

Ceylon, Chin India, &c. 1,500,000 

Allstraiii^ Van Dieinan’s 
Land, and other oceanic 
islands, 200,000 British, 

400,000 natives.• 800,000 


Total .103,25)7,262 


In allusion to the immense extent and power of the British 
empire, it has been beautifully said tliat she “ has dotted 
the surface of the whole globe with her possessions and 
military posts, whose morning drum-beat, following the sun, 
and keeping company with the hours, circles the eartli daily 
with one continuous and unbroken strain of the martial airs 


of England.” 

5. Chief Cities.— The chief cities of the British Isles 
are its I’ullows : 


Exercises on the Map .—Extent of the British hies? Popu¬ 
lation ? Population to the square mile ? What sea to the east of 
Great Britain ? What ocean to the west of Ireland ? What chan¬ 
nel hetwem England and Vrance ? What straits? What sea between 
England and Ireland? What channel? Where are the Hebrides? 


187 


Cities. Population. 

London. 2,359,640 

Liverpool & suburbs 500,000 

Bristol. 104,338 

Portsmouth. 53,027 

Manchester. 271,000 

Birmingham. 19O,00u 

Canterbury. 14,986 


Dist. from | 
London. 

196 
108 
05 
163 
102 
53 


Cities. Population. 

York. 26,260 

Leeds. 71,602 

Sheffield. 67,967 

Oxford. 21,345 

Edinburgh. 162,403 

Glasgow. 290,000 

Dublin. 240,300 


Dist. from 
London. 

170 

170 

140 

52 

337 

396 

292 



6. Industry.—Great Britain surpasses all other coun¬ 
tries in the extent, variety, and perfection of its manufac¬ 
tures. Its commerce is far more extensive than that of 
any other nation. Agriculture is also conducted with the 
utmost energy and skill. The mines of coal and iron are 
inexhaustible, and contribute greatly to the wealth of the 
country. There are other valuable minerals. 

V. Oovernment.—The government of Great Britain 
and Ireland is a limited hereditary monarchy. The Par¬ 
liament consists of a House of Lords and House of Commons. 

These make the laws, which 
must be ratified by the sover¬ 
eign. The supreme power is 
vested in a king or queen. The 
present ruler is Queen Victoria. 
Her husband is a German 
prince, Albert, who has, how¬ 
ever, no share in the govern¬ 
ment. There are several palaces 
occasionally occupied by the 
sovereign. That in London, 
called Buckingham Palace, is 
one of the finest. Windsor Cas¬ 
tle, a splendid pile of buildings, 
ipiecn Victoria. in the aucicnt ^tyle, twenty miles 

from London, is another favorite royal residence. 

8. Navy, Army, &c.—The navy of Great Britain is 
by far the most powerful in the world, and consists of six 
hundred and seventy-one vessels of war. The army at pres¬ 
ent consists of one hundred and thirty-eight thousand men. 
The national debt is about four thousand millions of dol¬ 
lars, the yearly interest of which is about one hundred and 
forty millions of dollars. The annual revenue of Great Brit¬ 
ain is about $275,000,000: two-thirds of this is derived 
from duties of customs and excise; the remainder from 
stamps, post-office, and income or assessed taxes. Of this 
sum $140,000,000 go to pay the interest on the national 
debt. 

9. Iiiliabitants.—The inhabitants of Great Britain are 
divided into three classes : i\\e, nobility, which includes dukes, 
marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons; the gentry, includ¬ 
ing those who are distinguished for wealth,education, talents, 
or official station ; and the commonalty, which comprises 
the mechanics, tradesmen, and working classes generally. 

10. History. —The kingdom of Great Britain and Ire¬ 
land includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland 
These several divisions anciently constituted so many dif¬ 
ferent nations. Wales has been attached to England since 
1283, A. D.; Scotland was united to it in 1707, and Ire¬ 
land in 1800 : all these countries finally coming under one 
legislation. Thus tlie present United Kingdom was formed. 
Though embraced under one government, the people of these 
four divisions have each their national characteristics. A 
view of each will be separately given. 

Where are the Orkneys? The Faroe fsles? The Shetland Isles? 

LESSON XCII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. 

Rivers? 4. Extent and population ? 5. Chief cities^ 6. Indus 

try? 7, Government? 8. Army atid navy? 9. Inhabitants ? 
lb. History ? 


II 












































































































188 


ENGLAND. 


Lesson XCIII...England. 

1. Characteristics.— This is the principal division of 
the Britisli Empire, and is renowned for its splendid cities, 
its high cultivation, its numerous railroads and canals, and 
its good institutions. 

2. mountains.— The Cheviot Hills, in the north, ap¬ 
proaching within eighteen miles of the sea, and the Cum¬ 
berland Hills, form a continuous range. The peaks of the 
latter, Helvellyn and Skiddaw, are 3000 feet high. 

3. Valleys.— There are no valleys of great extent. 
The Basin of the Severn is skirted by the Welsh Mount¬ 
ains on the west, and some lofty eminences on the east. 
The borders of the rivers are generally crowded with 
cities, teeming witli population. 

4. Plains, &c.— The country in England known as 
the Fens, is a flat, marshy district near the Wash. Salis¬ 
bury Plain is a kind of table-land, 300 feet above the level 
of the sea. There are numerous tracts called heaths, which 
first deriv'ed their name from being covered with a plant of 
that name. They are generally uncultivated, shrubby 
Avastes. The downs are sterile tracts, chiefly used as sheep 
pastures. 

5. Kivers.— The largest, though not the longest river, 
is the Severn, which rises near Mount Plynlimmon, in Wales, 
and enters Bristol Channel after a course of 200 miles. The 
Thames is a little longer than the Severn, and rises near 



The Thnvic^y in Jjondon, 


the source of that river. It it navigable from the German 

O 

Ocean, where it empties, to London—sixty miles. It is 
quite the most important river of England. The Mersey, 
navigable thirty-five miles, enters the Irish Sea at Liver¬ 
pool. The Dee, Trent, Ouse, and Humber, are all small 
streams. 

6. Liiikes.— These are small, but celebrated for natural 
beauty, hightened by cultivation, and the country-seats 
around. The largest are at the north, in the counties of 
Cumberland and Westmoreland. Windermere is ten miles 
long, and one to two broad. Derwentwater, four miles 
long, is esteemed the most beautiful. 

7. Shores, Bays, &c.— The coasts of England ai;e 
irregular, and abound Avith inlets. The shores are gener¬ 
ally rocky. On the English Channel, theie are high chalky 
cliffs, whose white appearance gave the island the name of 
Albion in ancient times. The southeastern extremity, com¬ 
prising the county of Cornwall, is a long cape, terminating 
in Avhat is called Land's End. 

. 8. Bays and Harbors.— The largest bay is the 

LESSON XCIII. 1.. Characteristics of Enylandf Z. Mount¬ 
ains ? 3. Valleys f 4. Plains, dec. ? 5. Rivers ? 6. Lakes / 


Bristol Channel, tAventy miles wide and sixty long. The 
Thames, at its mouth, enlarges to a considerable bay. The 
Wash is a broad bay on the eastern coast. Small harbors 
are numerous. 

9. Islan«ls. —The Island of Great Britain, 580 miles 
long, and 270 Avide at the broadest part, comprises En¬ 
gland, Wales, and Scotland. It is bounded on the north 
by the Atlantic ; on the east by the German Ocean ; on 
the south by the English Channel, separating it from 
France; on the Avest by the Irish Sea, separating it from 
Ireland and the Atlantic. The Isle of Wight is a beautiful 
and fertile island at the south, containing 270 square miles. 
Near the southern extremity are the Scilly Isles, 145 in 
number; six are inhabited, the rest are mere rocks. Nu¬ 
merous druidical monuments are found here. The islands 
of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, and Sark, lying near the 
French coast, are all inhabited, and belong to England ; 
the largest is tAvelv'e miles long. 

10. Watural Curiosities. —In Derbyshire there are 
several curious peaks and caverns. Near Buxton is a vast 
stalactitic cave, called Pool’s Hole, furnishing alabaster 
and spar, Avhich are Avrought into ornaments by the inhab¬ 
itants. At Castleton, in the same county, is a high rock, 
croAvned with a castle called The Peak. Here, also, are 
extraordinary caA^erns and limestone rocks. Near by, are 
the petrifying Avells, lead mines, and caA^erns of Matlock 
Dale. At Knaresboro’, in Yorkshire, is a celebrated Drop¬ 
ping Well, possessing petrifying qualities. 

11. Mineral Springes. —The most famous springs 
are thofse of Bath, which Avere known at the time of the 
Romans. Those of Bristol, Tunbridge, Buxton, Scar¬ 
borough, Harrowgate, Epsom, Leamington, and Cheltenham, 
are celebrated. All are frequented by invalids, and crowds 
of Avealthy and fashionable idlers. 

12. Vegetable Products. —But feAv of the present 
A'egetable products of England are indigenous.. The most 
useful plants have been imported from the Continent. The 
oak is a natiA'e tree, and makes excellent timber. 

13. Animals. —The wolf, bear, and some other savage 
animals haA^e been exterminated. Tlae badger, fox, Avild- 
cat, Aveasel, marten-, otter, squirrel, and dormouse remain. ’ 
The stag and falloAV-deer are wholly or partially domesti¬ 
cated 6n some of the large estates. , Hares, pheasants, and 
rabbits abound in the preserves. The domestic quadrupeds 
haA'e been brought to the highest perfection by breeding 
and training. Eagles, liaAvks, and singing-birds are numer¬ 
ous. The domestic birds are Avholly of foreign origin— i 
poultry from Asia, the Guinea-fowl from Africa, peacock i 
from India, pheasant from Colchis, and the turkey from 1 
America. The reptiles and insects are feAv. Turbot, dace, i 
sole, cod, plaice, smelt, shrimp, &c., are found along the : 
coast. Salmon, trout, &c., frequent the rivers. Shell-fish | 
abound. 

14. Minerals. —Salt, coal, iron, and tin are abundant. i 

Thousands of persons are occupied in obtaining them, and i 
many thousands more are employed in distributing them i 
over Great Britain, and shipping them to various parts of 1 
the Avorld. The resources of the British Isles in their ! 
useful minerals surpass those of any other country. j 

15. Climate. —England has an atmosphere of fog, j 
rain, and perpetual change ; yet the climate is mild. The [ 
rigors of Avinter, and the heats of summer, are tempered 

7. Shores, <i:c. ? 8. Bays and harbors ? 9. Islands / 10. Natural 

Curiosities? 11. Mineral springs? 12. Vegetable products? 















































ENGLAND. 


189 


by the surrounding sea. Many kinds of kitchen vegetables 
remain uninjured in the gardens through the winter. Most 
of the fields retain their verdure throughout this season. 
The moisture ^f the atmosphere imparts to vegetation a 
peculiar depth of verdure. The snows rarely lie upon the 
earth more than two or three days. 

16. Soil. —Of this, there is every variety, but the most 
common constituents are clay, loam, sand, chalk, gravel, 
and peat. There are extensive moors, or barren tracts, 
with fens, heaths, and downs, in different parts, only useful 
for pas-ture. There are some fertile regions, but in general 
England does not naturally possess a prolific soil. It is 
rendered productive only by its diligent and skillful culti¬ 
vation. 

17. Face of the Country. —In general, the aspect 
of England is varied and delightful. In some parts, ver¬ 
dant plainsj Avatered by copious rivers, extend as far as the 
eye can reach. In others are SAvelling hills and bending 
vales, fertile in grain, waving Avith Avood, and interspersed 
Avith meadows. Some tracts abound Avith prospects of the 
more romantic kind, embracing lofty mountains, craggy 
rocks, deep, narrow dells, and tumbling toiTents. Here 
and there are black moors, Avide heaths, and desolate 
plains. 

18. Political Div'isions. —England is diAuded into 
counties, as fblloAA^s : 


Couiitiea. Towns. Population. 

liedIbrdsh ire.Bedford. 4,187 

Berkshire.Readintj ... 18,499 

liuckiiighanishire• .Aylesbury .. 5,4-i9 
Cambridgeshire— Cambridge.. 24,453 

Cheshire.Chester.22.991 

Cornwall.Bodmin. 4,043 

Cumberland.Carlisle.23,012 

llerbyshire.Derby. 32,741 

Devonshire.Exeter.31,302 

Dorsetshire.Dorchester • • 5,402 

Durham.Durham •••• 9,577 

Es.sex.Chelmsford. 0,789 

Gloucestershire... .Gloucester • .14,497 

Herefordshire.Hereford— 10,921 

Hertfordshire.Hertford ■••• 5,450 

Huntingdonshire. • • Huntingdon . 5,500 

Kent.Canterbury.. 15,435 

‘■““'"'O. 

x.eicc®„hi„.,.jU£sl::.«S5 

Lincolnshire.Lincoln.13.896 

t Brentford • • • 7,232 

• i i.ondon . • 2,359,640 

Monmouthshire....Monmouth.. 5,822 


Middlesex. 


Counties, Towns. Population. 

Norfolk.Norwich .... 60,982 

Northamptonshire .Peterborough 6,991 

Northumberland. | ^omTyne^' | 
Nottinghamshire.. .Nottingham. 51,441 

Oxfordshire.Oxford. 32.556 

Rutlandshire.Oakham- 2,789 

.Shropshire.Shrewsbury. 17.688 

Somersetshire.Bath. 52,346 

S’thamptonshire,) winchester . 10,732 

llmds \ Southampton 27,490 

Staffordshire.Stafford. 9,149 

Suffolk.Ipswich. 25,384 

Surrey.Guilford.... 5,929 

Sussex.Chichester 8,512 

Warwickshire.Coventry.... 41,387 

VVestmoreland.Appleby .... 2,509 

Wiltshire.Salisbury ... 11,626 

Worcestershire ....Worcester .. 26,306 
Yorkshire viz. 

East Riding.Beverley.... 8,671 

North Riding.Northallerton 5,273 

West Riding.Ripon.15,024 

City and Ainstey...York. 28,842 


19. Industry* —England surpasses every other coun¬ 
try in the skill with Avhich its agriculture is conducted ; in 
tlie extent, A^ariety, and perfection of its manufactures, and 
in the extent of its commerce’ Every quarter of the Avorld 
seems tributary to the enterprise and perseverance of this 
great nation. 

20. Canals, Railroads, &c. —These cross England 
in every direction. The common roads are the best in the 
Avorld. Electric telegraphs connect London Avith CAxry 
quarter of the kingdom ; one line crosses the English Chan¬ 
nel from Dover to Calais. In no country is the internal 
intercourse rendered so easy as in England. 

21. Inliabitants. —Among these, there are few for¬ 
eigners, and these are mostly in the seaports. There are small 
bands of gipsies roAung about the country, and many Jcavs 
in London. The English are a robust, florid, handsome peo¬ 
ple. fond of domestic life, and largely addicted to athletic 
amusements. Horse-racing, cock-fighting, and bull-baiting 
are favoi;ite sports Avith the mass. Field sports are ardently 




pursued by the higher classes. Wealth is very unequally 
distributed, and the cottages of the poor are strongly con¬ 
trasted Avith the splendid mansions of the ilch. Many of 
the parks of the nobility display a princely^plendor. The 
Duke of Buckingham’s seat, at Stowe, is 916 feet long. 
The traveler finds in England the best inns in the Avorld. 
The intellectual character of the nation is high. The great 
names of Shakspeare, Bacon, Milton, Locke, Newton, Dryden, 
Pope, Johnson, Chatham, and Byron, attest their excellence 
in poetry, philosophy, morals, eloquence, and science. In 
the fine arts the English are less successful. Tiie general 
character of the English nation is often represented by them¬ 
selves under the idea of John Bull, a person of rough and 
blunt manners, but possessed of good sense, energy, and 
honesty. 

22. Religion. —The established religion of England is 

Bpiscopacy. The 
king or queen is the 
supreme head of 
the Church, AAdiich 
is governed by tAvo 
archbishops and 25 
bishops. The arch¬ 
bishop of Canter¬ 
bury is styled 2^‘ri- 
7nateo( all England. 
Dissenters are nu¬ 
merous, embracing 
Methodists, Bap- 

st. Paul's Cathedral. tists, Qiinkci's, Ro¬ 

man Catholics, &c. These comprise about one-half the pop¬ 
ulation. ■ 

23. Ecliicatioii. —The provision for the education ot 
the poorer (glasses is imperfect; but the schools sustained 
by charity are numerous. There are many higher semi¬ 
naries for bestOAving a learned education, among which the 
universities of Oxford and Cambridge are the most cele¬ 
brated. 

24. Towns. — London, the capital of the kingdom, is 
the richest and most populous city in the Avorld. The river 


An English Peasant. 


13. Animals ? 1^. Minerals? 15. Climate ; IG.Soil? 11. Face nals, railroads, etc. ? 21. Inhabitants? 22. Religion? 23.Edv- 

ythecoMitr'g? IQ. RoUtical Divisions ? 19 Industry ? 20. Ca- cation? 2^. Tomis ? Describe Tjondon, Liverpool, Portsmouth, Ac 





































































































190 


ENGLAND. 


^ccne in London* 

merce. The following table will give some idea of the mag¬ 
nitude of this metropolis ; thoughascertaincd 23 yearsago. 

. 150 

. 550 

. 28 

. 14 


Houses assessed in 1830*. 116,279 

Number of business firms. 77,000 


Episcopal churches and chapels 

Other places of worship. 

Other buildings for religious 

purposes. 

Public schools. 

Colleges. 

Hospitals, &c. 


300 

400 

709 

250 

2 

150 


Alms-houses, &c 

Public offices.. 

Courts . 

Prisons. 

Theatres. 

Public houses and drinking 

places. 6.200 

Streets and squares. 14.000 

Lawyers of all kinds-1. 3,600 

It is stated that the water used daily would cover fifty 
acres, three feet deep ! The annual consumption of coal 
for fuel is one million chaldrons ! One of the most strik¬ 
ing circumstances in London is the great number of splen¬ 
did carriages seen in the streets, indicating the vast wealth 
of the inhabitants. These are met with in the West End, 
where the nobility and gentry reside, and where there are 
many fine streets, and several e.\tensive public gardens, 
called parks. The eastern part of the city is devoted to 
business. In many portions of London, multitudes of miser¬ 
able wretches may be seen, suffering alike from vice, crime, 
and poverty. The two principal streets in London are Ox- 
ford-street and the Strand, both of which during the day 
are filled with crowds of people on foot, and an endless 
maze of vehicles of every description. London, at all times 
hiis an atmosphere dimmed wdth smoke ; but in tlie winter, 

* Houie* ia 1851, 3'29,4’28 : 63,286 were built in the previous ten year*. 


Thames passes through it, and over this there are several 
j splendid bridges of stone, and one of iron, .^he largest is 
I 1239 feet in length. There is a passage, called the Tunnel, 
I which goes under the river Thames, from one side to the 
other. Among the numerous splendid edifices in London, 

I are the Parliament Houses, Westminster Abbey, and St. 
Paul’s Cathedral. The docks of London are on a vast scale, 
and afford an indication of the prodigious extent of its com- 


The Queen’s Coach and Guards. 

the smoke and fog together render it so dark, that it is 
often necessary to light the lamps of the streets during the 
day. A celebrated English poet thus describes the scene 
at this period :— 


No sun, no moon, 

No mom, no noon, 

No dusk, no dawn. 

No proper time of day; 


No sky, no earthly view. 
No distance looking blue, 
No road, no street. 

No t’other side the way! 


The country for miles around London is thickly studded 
with dwellings, sometimes in groups, and sometimes stand¬ 
ing apart, the grounds around being tastefully laid out and 
ornamented with gardens and pleasure-grounds. Among 

the other great towns and 
cities of England, we may 
notice Liverpool, which 
has an extensive trade 
with America ; Ports¬ 
mouth, the great rendez¬ 
vous of the British navy ; 
Manchester, famed for 
its cotton manufactures ; 
Birmingham, for its hard¬ 
ware ; Sheffield, for its 
cutlery ; Leeds, for its 
woolen cloths; Coventry, for w’atches and ribbons. Bath, 
one of tlie handsomest cities in England, is noted for its 
mineral waters. There are also several other watering- 
places, as Bristol, Cheltenham, <kc., which have been already 
mentioned. 


View of Town Hall, Liverpool. 


25. Antiquities. —There are many ruins and remains 
of past ages scattered over England. Some of these are 
supposed to have been connected with the worship of the 




Bishop. 


Student of Cambridge. 


View of the City of Bath, in England. 






















































































ENGLAND. 


C- 


191 



Return of Charles the Second, A. D. 1660. 


Druids, who were the priests of the ancient Britons. One 
of these, on Salisbury Plain, consists of a circular range of 
enormous stones, set up endwise. The ruins of ancient ab¬ 
beys and castles, found in different placft, are interesting 
relics of by-gone times. Among the castles, still maintained 
in its perfection, is that of the Earl of Warwick, in the town 
of that name. It is an imposing structure, and the grounds 
around are very beautiful. 



yiem of tvartoick Castie. 


^6. Ancient Ge<>s*'«ipS*y* —fhe following is a list of 
vanous ancient names applied to the towns, rivers &c., of 


Entjland :— 

O 

Ancient 

Roman 

Britannia, or Albion . 

Monoed.a. 

German Sea. 

Straits of Gaul. 

British Sea. 

Metaris. 

Tamesis. 

Sabrina . 

Abus. 

Deva . 

Tinna. 

Luguvalliuin. 


Modem Names. 
Britain. 

Isle of Man. 
German Ocean. 
Straits of Dover. 
English Channel. 
The Wash. 
Thames River. 
Severn do. 
Humber do. 

Dee do. 

Tyne do. 

Carlisle. 


Ancient 
Roman Names. 

Eboracum ......... 

.Manuciuin . 

Danum. 

LiudumColonia .... 

Rutm. 

Deva . 

Verulamiuin. 

Londinium. 

Dubris. 

Aouae Solis. 

Vecljg.. 


Motlern Names. 
York. 

Manchester. 

Doncaster. 

Lincoln. 

Leicester. 

Chester. 

St. Albans. 

I.on dun. 
Dover. 

Bath. 

Isle of Wight. 


^7. History. —England appears so prominently in the 
history of the British islands, that, in common language, we 
often speak of England as embracing the whole empire, 
and of the English as meaning the whole people. England, 
from the beginning, has been the leading kingdom. It first 
subjugated Wales, then Scotland, and at last Ireland. Our 


first knowledge of this country is furnished by Caesar, 
the Roman general, who, after having conquered Gaul, 
crossed the English Channel, and invaded the island, 55 
B. C. As he approached the shore, near the present town of 
Deal, east of Dover, he found the savage Britons gathered 
in great numbers, ready to resist. They were armed with 
bows and arrows, spears, and clubs; their bodies were 
painted in a hideous manner, and their furious yells filled 
the air. After a severe engagement, the Romans landed, 
and remained about three weeks, the Britons acknowledg¬ 
ing their authority, and agreeing to pay them tribute. 
These engagements not being fulfilled, Caesar again invaded 
the island, 54 B. C. He reduced a portion of the people 
to submission, and compelled many of the chief men to ac¬ 
company him as hostages. In a work entitled Commentaries, 
Caesar gives a very interesting account of these events. He 
describes the Britons as living in scattered villages, on the 
banks of rivers, and in the midst of forests. Most of them 
were complete savages, tattooing their skins, and dressing in 
the hides of cattle. They appear to have been Celts, Tike 
the people of Gaul or France. They had war-chariots 
armed with scythes, and drawn by horses, which they 
drove furiously among the enemy in time of battle. The 
w'omen made baskets of willow twigs, and sewed the skins 
of animals together for dress, their needles being made of 
bone. The southern tribes w'ere more civilized than those 
of the north. These had herds of cattle, and lived upon 
meat, fruits, plants, and milk. They practiced a little agri¬ 
culture in a rude manner. In winter, they lived in holes in 
the ground ; in summer, they occupied huts, made of stakes, 
covered with twigs and boughs of trees. They had no 
books, or means of recording events. They were divided 
into numerous tribes, each having a chief. The Druids 
were the priests and lawgivers ; the chiefs only commanding 
in time of war. The religion consisted in worshiping cer¬ 
tain divinities, either in the forests, or beneath spreading 
oaks, or in temples composed of huge stones. The relig¬ 
ious services Avere conducted by the Druids, who were 
taught certain mysterious learning, composed in the form- 


25. Antiquitiesf 26. Ancient Geography? 21. History? De¬ 


scribe England at the time of Geesar's invasion ? 


What of the in- 













































192 


ENGLAND. 


of verses. After the departure of Caesar from Britain, the 
Romans were so much occupied with their civil wars, that 
almost a century elapsed before they again attempted its 
conquest. In the year 43 A. D., an army of 50,000 men 
was sent thither, under the command of Aulus Plautius. 
These were bravely resisted by the Britons, led by Carac- 
tacus. The Romans at last prevailed, and, after immense 
bloodshed, established themselves over the greater part of 
Britain. Under their sway, towns and castles were built, 
and London, which was at first a forest, became a rich and 
populous city. Caledonia, now Scotland, was inhabited by 
Scots and Piets, a wild and warlike people, who made fre¬ 
quent incursions into the territories of the Romans. Forts, 
ramparts, and walls were built across the country, from the 
River Tyne to the Solway Frith, to keep out these marau¬ 
ders. At length, the Roman dominion was complete over 
the territory now called England. They never conquered 
Scotland, and some of the Welsh long continued inde¬ 
pendent in their mountains. The Romans could gain no 
footing in Ireland. For a period of nearly 500 years, 
they maintained their power in England, building roads, 
castles, towns, and cities. There are many relics of these 
Roman works still to be seen in England. During this 
period, the people became partially civilized. The upper 
classes adopted the Roman dress, spoke the Roman lan¬ 
guage, and many of the young men were educated at Rome. 
About the year 440, the Romans were compelled, in order 
to protect their cities and territories in Italy from the bar¬ 
barians, who began to pour in upon them, to withdraw 
their troops from Britain, as well as other remote provinces. 
The Piets and Scots, finding that the Roman soldiers were 
gone, now attacked the Britons, and inflicted upon them 
innumerable evils. About the same time, the Northinen, 
or men of the north, inhabiting the shores of the Baltic Sea, 
set forth in their light vessels, and invaded the shores of 
the more southern portions of Europe. In 448 A. D., a 
party of 300 of these, called Saxons, led by Hengist and 
Horsa, landed in Britain. The people, suffering under the 
ravages of the Scots and Piets, asked for their assistance. 
This was granted, and the enemy was driven back. The 
result was, however, that the Saxons, joined by multitudes 
of their countrymen, divided England into seven kingdoms, 
between seven of their chiefs, thus founding what is called the 
Saxon Heptarchy, A. D. 559. The Saxons were composed 
partly of a tribe called Angles ; w hence these invaders, who 
became the founders of the English people, are called Anglo- 
Saxons —a name still given to their descendants. This 
people displaced the Christian religion, which had been in¬ 
troduced under the Romans, and substituted the worship 
of Woden, the god of battle. From these people, the En¬ 
glish derived many of their present manners and customs, 
which have also descended to our country. The Saxons at 
last quarreled among themselves, and Egbert, king of Wes¬ 
sex, reduced the other tribes. He was accordingly crowned, 
A. D. 82*7, king of Angle Land ; thus establishing the 
kingdom of England. Another enemy now appeared to 
disturb the country. The Danes came hither in great num- 
bei-s, carrying off goods, cattle, and people. They sailed 
from place to place in their little vessels, making sudden 
and fatal attacks along the coast. At last, Alfred, one of 
the Saxon kings, came to the throne, 871 A. D. 'After 
experiencing many trials, he drove the Danes away, and 
gave peace to his country. He was one of the greatest 

vasion of Aulus Plautius? The Northmen? The Saxon Hep-i 


kings that ever sat upon the English. throne. He estab¬ 
lished good laws, encouraged learning, instituted the right 
of trial by jury, and at last died, 901 A. D., loved by his 
subjects, feared by his enemies, and admired by mankind 
From this period, the history of England flows on in an un¬ 
broken current. It is impossible for us to give even an out¬ 
line of the history of that country, and the events which 
have at last rendered it the mightiest empire on the face of 
the globe. We can only notice a few of the leading inci¬ 
dents. In the year 1066, England was invaded by William, 
duke of Normandy, in France, he claiming a right to the 
crown. S^ucceeding in this enterprise, he became king, 
established the Norman line of sovereigns, and introduced 
many Norman customs into the country. In the year 1215, 
the barons of England compelled King John to sign what is 
called Magna Charta, by which the power of tlie crown 
was limited, and the liberties of the people in some degree 
acknowledged and secured. In the reign of Henry VI. oc¬ 
curred the celebrated Wars of the Roses, so called because 
those attached to the house of Lancaster wore red roses as 
their badge, and those attached to the house of York w^ore 
white roses. In the year 1461, the house of York tri¬ 
umphed, and Edward IV. became king. In these bloody 
contests, a great part of the old nobility perished. In 
1534, Henry VIII. caused the Church of England to be 
separated from the Church of Rome; since which time, it 
has been the State Church of the empire. In 1603, James 
VI. of Scotland became king of England. Since him, the 
same sovereign has reigned over both countries.^ In 1605, 
the celebrated Gunpowder Plot took place, the object of 



Quy Fawkes and his Associates. 


which was to blow up the parliament-house ; thus destroy¬ 
ing at once the king, lords, and commons. This plot was 
formed by certain Catholics, who were dissatisfied with King 
James and the government. It w'as detected, and Guy 
Fawkes, a principal leader, and some others, were exe¬ 
cuted. In 1642, a civil war broke out, owing to the usur¬ 
pations of Charles I. In 1649, hewms beheaded. England 
became a Commonwealth, and Oliver Cromwell the chief 
ruler. He reigned with great ability for nine years, and 
was succeeded by his son Richard. He soon resigned ; 
and in 1660, Charles II. was restored, amid the acclamations 
of the people. Scotland, which had been under the same 
sovereign with England since 1603, was finally united to it 
in 1707. Ireland, conquered in 1172, was united to Great 
Britain in 1800, thus forming the British Empire. 

'tarchy ? Wars of the Roses ? Gunpowder Plot ? Oliver Cromwell t 



















WALES. 


193 



Scene in tValcs. 


Lesson XCIV...Wales. 

1. Characteristics. — Wales is a peninsula on the 
west of England, noted for its mountains, hills, and valleys. 

2. Mountains, &c. —The highest mountain in Wales 
is Snowdon, 3557 feet high. Plynliinmon \s 2463 feet high. 

3. Rivers, A'c. —The Severn, Dee, and Wye, rising in 

Wales, and flowing into England, are the most noted rivers. 
The valleys of these and other streams are celebrated for 
their beauty. The lakes are insignificant. The shores are 
irregular, and indented with several harbors. The principal 
island is Anglesea, twenty-four miles long, and seventeen 
broad. It was ancient¬ 
ly called Mona, and 
was the chief seat of 
the Druidical worship 
of Great Britain. It 
has still many Dru¬ 
idical remains. It is 
level, fertile, and well 
cultivated, producing 
copper and lead. An¬ 
glesey is separated 
from the main land 
by the Menai Strait, Suspension Bridge. 

which is crossed by a suspension bridge, 560 feet in length, 
and 100 above the water. A tubular suspension bridge 
has also been carried across the strait, and forms part of 
the Chester and Holyhead Railway. 

4. Products, Industry, dec. —The farms are small, 
and agriculture is more backward than in England. Cattle 
and sheep are extensively produced. Ponies are bred in 
considerable numbers. The mining industry is highly im¬ 
portant. Iron, copper, and coal are largely produced. 
Slate and limestone are common. Silver is found. The iron 
works are on an immense scale. Woolen cloths, flannel, 
and hosier}' are manufactured by the peasants. The com¬ 
merce is considerable; coal, slate, iron, cattle, sheep, and 
woolen goods being exported. 

5. Climate, Soil, dec. —The soil is generally barren, 
except in the narrow river vales. The climate is colder than 
in England, and snow is common among the mountains, 

6. Inhabitants. —The people of Wales are industrious 
and frugal. It is common for the women to wear hats like 
those of men. The cottages, scattered along the hill-sides, 
have a general aspect of neatness and comfort. Many of 
the miners live nearly their whole lives in the mines. They 

LESSON XerV. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains, etc.? 

I 3, Jiivers, dtc.? Products, industry, etc. ? 5. Climate, soU, dec.? 

25 


and their families have often an abject and wretched appear¬ 
ance. The upper classes are in all respects like the English. 
The people are descendants of an ancient Celtic tribe, and 
their original language is still preserved and spoken by 
some of the people. 

7. Divisions.—Wales is divided as follows : 

Counties. County Towns. PopuTation. 

Anglesey.Beaumaris.2,299 

Brecknockshire.Brecon. 5,472 

Cardiganshire.Cardigan.2,925 

Carmarthenshire.Carmarthen.9,526 

Carnarvonshire.Carnarvon.8,001 

Detibighshire.Denbigh.3,405 

I'’linb<hire..St. Asaph.3,338 

Glamorganshire.Llandaff.1,276 

Merionethshire.Bala.1,257 

Montgomeryshire.Montgomery.1,208 

Pembrokeshire.Pembroke.6,156 

Kadnorshire.New Radnor.6,419 

8. Towns.—The principal ports are Swansea, New¬ 
port, Cardiff, and Carnarvon. The latter is a walled town. 



Carnarvon Castle. 


having a celebrated castle, where Edward 11., the first 
Prince of Wales, was born. Holyhead is a chief packet sta¬ 
tion for communication with Ireland. Milford is a naval 
port. Near Chepstow are the ruins of Tintern Abbey, re¬ 
nowned for their extent and fine situation. 



Ruins of 'Pintem Abbeys 


9. History. —Wales appears to have been occupied by 
Celtic tribes, at the time the Romans conquered England. 
The inhabitants called it Cymry, whence it has been called 
Cambria. Their numbers were increased by the Roman 
invasion, which drove the Britons westward into this moun¬ 
tainous country, as a retreat. The people seem to have 
been similar to the other Britons, having horses, cattle, 
sheep, and swine. Here was the chief seat of Druidism, 
and its most soleri!^ and mysterious rites were performed 
amid the dark groves and stone temples of Anglesea. Here 
human beings, consisting of prisoners taken in war, and 
criminals, were sacrificed to their gods. The priests wore 
white robes and long beards, carrying wands in their hands. 
They had serpents’ eggs, inclosed in gold, suspended from 
the neck. They taught many superstitions concerning ser¬ 
pents, rivers, and vales. The mistletoe growing upon the 
oak was held sacred, it being cut with a golden knife. 

it Inhabitants? 7. Divisions? 8. Totons? Describe Carnar- 
vedn and Holyhead? 9. History ? What of the rites of the Druids t 






























































SCOTLAND. 


194 

They had solemn processions on New-year’s day, 1st of 
May, and Midsummer-eve. Rcdics of these ceremonies are 
still found throughout the British islands. The Romans 
invaded Wales in the first century, and exterminated the 
Druids. After a long conflict, the country was subdued, 
and named Britannia Secunda. After the Romans with¬ 
drew from Britain, the Welsh resumed their ancient forms 
of government, the country being divided between six or 
seven chiefs. At a later date, it was united under one. 
The people carried on wars against the Saxons, and, in the 
time of Cadwallader, '703 A. D., a portion of the country 
was conquered by the enemy. After the Norman con¬ 
quest, the Welsh refused to pay the tribute which had been 
imposed upon them by the Saxon king. William marched 
against them, and quickly subdued the country. Wars be¬ 
tween the Welsh and English broke out at several periods, 
till the time of Edward I., when they were finally subjugated, 
after a bloody and protracted conflict, A. D. 1283. The 
last of the Welsh kings was David, son of Llewellyn. 
Having been defeated in battle, he was chased from hill to 
hill, taken, tried, and hung, his dead body being drawn and 
quartered. The celebrated Welsh hards, or harpers, are 
said to have been gathered together by the English king, 
and put to death, as their songs were supposed to keep 
alive the national spirit. From this period, the English 
laws have prevailed in Wales. In the time of Henry IV., 
Owen Glendoioer maintained himself as an independent 
prince for a time. With this exception, the Welsh have 
been submissive to England, and are now peacefully blended 
with the rest of the country. 


Lesson XCV... Scotland. 



Scenery and inhabitants of Scotland, 


1. Clmracteristics. —This country occupies the north¬ 
ern portion of the island of Great Britain, and is noted for 
its wild mountain scenery and its beautiful lakes. 

2. Mountains, &c. —Scotland is 280 miles long and 
20 to 130 miles wide. The Grampians, in the south, and 
the Highlands of Caithness and Inverness, are the principal 
mountains. Ben Nevis, belonging to the latter, is 4380 feet 
high, and is the loftiest summit of the British islands. On 
one side, it has a perpendicular precipice of 1500 feet, af¬ 
fording a magnificent prospect. The Pentland Hills, in the 
south, are picturesque, but not greatly elevated. The mount¬ 
ainous parts abound with craggy rocks, deep dells, and 
rapid torrents. The sterility of these regions defies the ef¬ 
forts of human industry to render them productive. 

3. Rivers. —The Forth and Tay, entering the German 

LESSON XCV. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains, <L'c. ? 


Ocean, and the Clyde, flowing in the opposite direction, art 
the principal rivers. The Tweed, near the English border, 
is celebrated for the beauty of its valley. 

4. Lialces. — Loch Lomond, at the foot of the lofty moun¬ 
tain, Ben Lomond, 
is thirty miles long 
and sprinkled with 
islands. Near by 
is Loch Katrine, 
famous for its 
scenery, accurate¬ 
ly described in 
Scott’s charming 
poem of the Lady 

of the Lake. Loch Leven, Loch Awe, Loch Boon, and other 
small lakes, are associated with Scottish romance and song. 

5. Bays, Straits, Harbors, &c. —The coast is every 
where rocky, and indented by inlets and arms of the sea. 
The Friths of Forth, Tay, Murray, Dornock, Pentland, and 
Solway, are the principal bays. The last forms part of the 
boundary between Scotland and England. 

6. Islands. —The Hebrides or Western Isles are three 
hundred in number. The largest, Lewis, is 8Y miles long. 
The next in size are Skye, Mull, Islay, and Arran. Most 
of them are small, roc%, and barren, covered with heath 
and moss. Eighty-seven are inhabited and cultivated, the 
products being cattle, sheep, fish, kelp, birds’ eggs, and 
feathers. The most westerly island is St. Hilda, with a 
rocky precipice, 1500 feet high, overhanging the sea. The 
hunting of birds and birds’ eggs, by swinging over the rocky 
ledges, is a leading occupation of the people among all these 
islands. In the small island of Staff a is the celebrated ba¬ 
saltic cavern called FingaVs Cave. It is 227 feet long, 166 
high, and 42 wide. To the north of Scotland are the Ork¬ 
neys or Orcades. They are about seventy in number, and are 
rocky, barren, and desolate. Less than half are inhabited. 
The sea around is very tempestuous. In June and July, 

the twilight continues 
through the night, so 
as to enable a person 
to read. The sea-fowl 
are abundant along 
the rocky cliffs, and 
bird-hunting is a lead¬ 
ing employment. The 
inhabitants have a few 
manufactures, raise a 
small breed of cattle, I 
catch fish, and sell con¬ 
siderable quantities of oil and feathers. Fifty miles to the 
north are the Shetland Isles. They are eighty in number, 
forty being inhabited. They are bleak and barren, and sur¬ 
rounded by tempestuous seas. The people resemble those 
of the Orkneys. 

7. Products. —Heath and moss still cover a consid¬ 
erable portion of the surface of Scotland. The products 
of agriculture are similar to those of England. Lead, iron, 
and coal, are the most abundant minerals. The two last 
are extensively wrought. The climate is distinguished by 
fogs and drizzling rain. Ice and snow are common in the 
winter. The narrow valleys or straths present small tracts 
of good soil. Yet a great part of the country is barren. 
The mountains are naked of trees, and have a gloomy, but 

3. Rivers / 4. Lakes / 5. Bays, straits, and harbors ? 6. Islands ? 



A Lake in ScoUand. 















































SCOTLAND. 


still picturesque aspect. The country is divided into the 
Highlands, in the north, and the Lowlands, in the south. 
The former embraces two-thirds of the territory. The lat- 
' ter presents beauti¬ 

ful hills, vales, and 
cultivated plains, 
with many fine coun¬ 
try-seats and noble 
parks. There are 
stag and fallow-deer, 
wild in the forest as 
well as tame upon 
Mountaint and uuis. the hii’ge estates. 

There is abundance of small game, such as grouse, pheas¬ 
ants, hares, and rabbits, upon many of the preserves. Trout 
and salmon are abundant in the rivers ; other kinds of fish 
teem in the waters along the shore. 

8. Political Divisions.—Scotland is divided into 
counties as follows :— 

Counties. Towns. 

01 iowns. 

Aberdeen.Aberdeen. 64,778 

Argyle and Isles.Inverary. 4,610 

Ajt .Ayr. 15,749 

Banff.Banff. 4,958 

Berwick.Greenlaw. 1,355 

Bute. ...Rotbsay. 7,147 

Caithness.Wick. 10,393 

Clackmannan.Clackmannan- .. 5,145 

Dumbarton..••■Dumbarton. 4,391 

Dumfries.Dumfries. 10,069 

Edinburgh.Edinburgh. 138,182 

: Elgin, or Moray.Elgin. 61,083 

j Fife.Cupar. 6,758 

j Forfar (Angus).Forfar. 9,620 

Haddington.Haddington. 5,452 

Inverness and Isles.Inverness. 15,418 

Kincardine.Stonehaven. 3,012 

Kinross .Kinross . 2,062 

Kirkcudbright.Kirkcudbright. 3,525 

Lanark .Lanark. 7,659 

Linlithgow.•'.Linlinthgow. 5,950 

Nairn.Nairn. 2,672 

Orkney and Shetland.Kirkwall. 3.599 

Peebles .Peebles. 1,898 

Perth .Perth. 19,293 

Renfrew.Renfrew. 2,027 

Ross and Cromarty and Isles.Tain.t. 2,563 

Roxburgh .Jedburgh. 2,097 

! Selkirk...Selkirk. 3,484 

Stirling.Stirling. 8,307 

Sutherland.Domock. 2,714 

Wigton.Wigton . 2,562 

9. Industry*—Agriculture, commerce, and manufac- 
I tures are all extensively and skillfully pursued. The whale 
! and herring fisheries are considerable sources of wealth. 

I The number of herring taken upon the coast is immense. 

The gathering of kelp and the hunting of birds afford em¬ 
ployment to large numbers of persons in the rocky islands. 

10. Canals, Kailroads, &c.—These are numerous, 
though less so than in England. The common roads are 
excellent. * There is a great deal of travel among the mount¬ 
ains by the lovers of the picturesque. Good inns are every 
where to be found. 

11. Inhabitants.—These are divided into the High¬ 
landers and Lowlanders. The former are of Celtic origin, and 
speak what is called the Gaelic dialect. The national dress 
consists of a short coat, vest, and kilt or petticoat, leaving the 
knee bare, with a plaid, partly fastened around the body, and 
ihrown over one of the shoulders. These are all made of 
checked woolen stuffs, called tartan. The head is covered 

i with a cap. The people are divided into clans, each clan 
! having its peculiar tartan. Among the mountains many live 
i in low huts without chimneys, fire being made in the mid- 
1 die of the room, filling it with smoke, which passes out by 


I. Products? Q. Political Divisions? ^.Industry? Canals 


195 

a hole in the top. The broadsword is the chosen weapon, 
and the bagpipe the favorite instrument of music. It may 
be remarked that these peculiarities are considerably modi¬ 
fied, and are rapidly disappearing before the influence of 
English manners, customs, and opinions. The Lowland 
Scotch are distinguished for intelligence, morality, and reli¬ 
gious feeling. They are industrious, and shrewd in the ac¬ 
quisition of property, bearing in many respects a resemblance 
to the people of New England. Their language is not a 
dialect, but an original tongue, which is now anglicized. It 
is spoken with a peculiar accent. The higher classes are, 
in all respects, similar to the English. The people retain 
many superstitions, among which is a belief in a kind of 
prophecy called second-sight. Thcv' also believe in fairies, 
brownies, &c. Many of the inhabitants upon the islands 



Fisher Boy. 

live in low huts, and present a most squalid and abject ap¬ 
pearance. In general, the Scottish nation have displayed 
high intellect, especially in history, philosophy, poetry, and 
prose fiction. Nearly all their lakes, rivers, and mountains 
are celebrated in the songs of Burns, Ramsay, and other 
poets. S^tt has thrown a peculiar charm over many local¬ 
ities by his ballads and historical romances. 

12. Crovernmeut, Rclig:ioii, &c. — The govern¬ 
ment is the same as that of England, though some of the 
old Scottish laws, the judiciary, and state religion remain. 
The latter, called the Kirk of Scotland, is Presbyterian, and 
established by law. There is, however, a large secession 
from this, called the Free Church of Scotland, besides a con¬ 
siderable body of dissenters. There are common schools in 
every parish, besides academies, high-schools, and universi¬ 
ties. Scotland is noted for the good education of its people. 

13. Antiquities.— Near Perth are circular towers, of 
unknown origin. There are large inclosures, with vitrified 
walls, in several places. In the south are vestiges of 
Roman roads and camps, and parts of Antonine's Wall, 
which extended from the Forth to the Clyde. The re¬ 
mains of Roslin Castle, Melrose Abbey, and other Gothic 
structures, are celebrated in song and the sketches of 
tourists. 

14. Towns. — Edinburgh, the capital, renowned for its 
great number of eminent literary men, is one of the most 
interesting cities in the world. It is divided by a deep, 

and railroads ? 11 . Inhabitants ? 12 . Government religimi, d'c 
















































































































196 


SCOTLAND. 



Edinburgh, 



Ruins of Melrose Abbey, 


narrow basin, once the bed of a lake, into the Old and 
New Town. The former is a crowded assemblage of 
antique buildings, placed upon a rugged, steep hill. Here 
the streets are narrow, and some of the houses are eight, 
and even twelve stories in hioflit. The New Town is regu- 
larly laid out, and built of freestone. It consists chiefly of 
the residences of the rich, who are drawn hither from all 
parts of the country. It is very elegant, and has the 
freshness of recent construction. At a little distance from 
the city are Salisbury Craig and Arthur's Seat. The lat¬ 
ter is a rocky mountain, which lifts its head far above the 
smoke and noise of the town, and seems to be gazing 
down, with an inquisitive look, upon the busy inhabitants. 
Near the foot of this mountain is the supposed birthplace 
of Jeanie Deans, the heroine of the tale of the “ Heart 
of Mid-Lothian.” Among the inhabitants of Edinburgh, 



Fish- fVeman of Edinburgh. 


the fish-women are remarkable for their fine appearance. 
Glasgow, Paisley, and Perth, are celebrated for their man¬ 
ufactures ; Melrose, for the fine ruins of its abbey; Ayr, 
as being near the birth-place of the poet Burns; Aber¬ 
deen, for its university. 

15. History. —The first inhabitants of Scotland are 
supposed to have been a branch of the Cimbri, who 
migrated thither from Denmark about 200 B. C. These 
first settlers were driven out by another tribe, called Piets, 
or Caledones ; whence Scotland was called Caledonia by 
the Romans. It appears there were several tribes, and 
historians speak of them as Piets and Scots ; but the true 
Scots did not arrive in the country till long after. The 


Romans attempted to conquer them, and penetrated as far 
as the Grampian Hills. Beyond these, the barbarians 
maintained their independence. They made frequent forays 
into the Roman territory ; and, consequently, the Roman 
governors constructed two walls for the purpose of ex¬ 
cluding them—one between the Forth and the Clyde, and 
the other between the Solway and the Tyne. The Romans 
abandoned the country in the fifth century, and the Cale¬ 
donians invaded the southern parts of Britain. Vortigern, 
the British king, called in the aid of the Saxons, and they 
were driven back. The name of Scotland was derived 
from the Irish, who were first called Scots, and their 
country Scotia, from a tribe that emigrated thither some 
time before the Christian era. They passed over to the 
western part of Caledonia in the sixth century, and became 
so numerous as to form a distinct nation from the Piets. 
They lived in a state of hostility with these people for two 
or three centuries, till at length, in the year 836 A. D., 
their king, Kenneth, conquered the whole country, which 
now took the name of Scotland. These Irish emigrants 
became the ancestors of the Highlanders, who still retain 
their ancient language ; and the Saxons, who settled in the 
southern part of Scotland, and mingled with the Piets, 
became the progenitors of the Lowlanders. Christianity 
was introduced into Scotland in the sixth century, by an 
Irish bishop, called St. Columba. For 200 years after the 
time of Kenneth, Scotland was harassed by the Danes. 
Macbeth, celebrated in one of Shakspeare’s plays, was 
slain, and succeeded by Malcolm in 1056. David I. came 
to the throne in 1127, founding the Abbey of Hol)Tood, 
and fixing his residence at Edinburgh. William the Lion 
came to the throne in 1165, and was succeeded by Alex¬ 
ander II., in 1214. In 1286, there were two claimants of 
the throne— Robert Bruce and John Baliol. The latter 
obtained the crown through the influence of Edward I. of 
England, acknowledging himself a vassal of the English 
king. A war between them soon followed ; Baliol was 
defeated, taken to London, and there executed. William 
Wallace took the command of the Scots, but Edward de¬ 
feated them in the Battle of Falkirk, 1298. In 1306, 
Robert Bruce, son of the rival of Baliol, claimed the Scot¬ 
tish throne, and in the Battle of Bannockburn, 1314, 
totally defeated Edward and his powerful arm}^ This 
victory secured the independence of Scotland, and con¬ 
firmed Bruce in possession of the throne. Under several 
successive sovereigns, Scotland rose to a considerable de¬ 
gree of power and civilization. Under the later sovereigns, 
literature was cultivated with success. The Highlanders, 
however, continued in a rude state, being devoted to their 
fierce, turbulent, and warlike chieftains. In the year 1542, 
Mary, daughter of James V., became queen. She had 


13. Antiquities ? 14. Towns? Describe Edinburgh ; Glasgow, dec. 


1.5. History? What of Wallace? Bruce? Mary, qvxen of Scots? 




















































IRELAND. 


197 


been educated in France, and was married to Francis II., 
who afterward became king of that country. He soon 
died, and Mary was recalled to her own kingdom. We 
cannot relate her melancholy story, in detail. She reigned 
over Scotland about seven years ; but a civil war broke 
out, and she fled in 1568 to England, claiming the protec¬ 
tion of her cousin. Queen Elizabeth. That jealous sover¬ 
eign kept her in confinement for eighteen years, and then 
caused her to be executed, 1587. Her son, James VI. of 
Scotland and James I. of England, succeeded to the throne 
on the death of Elizabeth, 1603. The two countries re¬ 
mained separate kingdoms, having each its own parliament, 
though the laws were administered by one king. From 
this time, the two nations became gradually assimilated ; 
and in 1707, Scotland was united to England—the two 
taking the title of the Kingdom of Great Britain. 

a o 

Lesson XCVL.. Ireland. 

1. Characteristics. —Ireland is an island, celebrated 
for its verdure, and hence called the Emerald Isle, It is 
300 miles long, and from 70 to 160 miles broad. 

2. Mountains, Rivers, dec.— There are several de¬ 
tached elevations, the highest of which is M‘ Gillicuddy Reeks, 
in the county of Kerry, 3404 feet high. The largest river 
is the Shannon, about 220 miles long, and navigable the 
greater part of its course. The Barrow, Foyle, Bann, and 
Boyne are small streams. The largest lake is Lough Neagh, 
in the north, fifteen miles long, and seven broad. Lough 
Earn and Lough Corrib are narrow sheets of water of con¬ 
siderable length. The Lakes of Killarney are famous for 
their picturesque beauty. The coast presents numerous 
headlands and capes. The largest bays are Galway and 
Donegal, on the west, and those of Belfast, Dublin, and 
Dundalk, on the east. 

3. Climate.— The climate is similar to that of England, 
but more moist. The fields remain green through the en¬ 
tire winter. 



Oiant's Causeway. 


4. Face of the Country, Soil, dec. —There are im¬ 
mense tracts called bogs, extending in a broad belt through 
the center of the island, producing nothing but heath, bog- 
myrtle, and sedge-grass. The remainder of the soil is 
stony, but high cultivation has rendered much of it pro¬ 
ductive. The surface of Ireland is generally level, with 
swelling hills and a few mountains of moderate elevation. 
The general appearance of the country is varied and plea- 

LESSON XCVI. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains, tkc.? 


sant, destitute of trees, but cheerful on account of its ver¬ 
dure. The bogs furnish ample supplies of peat, used by 
the inhabitants for fuel. Coal, marble, and slate are found 
in Kilkenny. Iron, copper, silver, and gold have been dis¬ 
covered in small quantities. The Giant's Causeway, on the 
northern coast, is an immense mass of basaltic columns, 
standing compactly together, and having from three to 
seven sides. They are perpendicular, smooth, and regular, 
as if hewn by art. They are of different pieces, two to three 
feet long, and nicely fitted together like a ball and socket 
joint. To the west of this are the ruins of Dunluce Castle, 
remarkable for their situation on an elevated rock, over¬ 
hanging the sea. At Fairhead, there is a curiosity similar to 
the Giant’s Causeway, but the columns are unbroken, being 
from 100 to 150 feet, in single blocks. 

5. Canals, Industry, &c.—There are several im¬ 
portant canals and railroads. Agriculture is in a backward 
state. Potatoes have been the principal crop; but since 
1847, they have been subject to a disease called the rot. 
The wheat is of an inferior quality. The dairy is well man¬ 
aged, and Irish butter is a staple. The land is well adapted 
for grazing, and large quantities of cattle are raised. Oats 
and barley are largely produced. Flax is extensively cul¬ 
tivated. The linen manufactures are an important branch 
of industry. Paper, glass, tobacco, wool, and cotton are 
also manufactured. Whisky is extensively distilled. The 
principal exports are wheat, oats, flour, butter, bacon, beef, 
eggs, wool, flax, copper ore, and spirits. The fisheries 
along the coast are extensive, yielding herrings, pilchards, 
cod, &c. The estuaries abound in salmon and eels. The 
rivers teem with trout. 

6. Divisions.—Ireland is divided into four provinces 
and thirty-two counties, as follows : 

LEINSTER. 

Comities. Population..County Towns. Population. 

Carlow. 68,157.Carlow. 8,734 

Dublin. 402,356.Dublin. 254,850 

Kildare. 96,627.Athy. 9.396 

Kilkenny. 139,934.Kilkenny... 20,283 

King’s County. 112,875.,. .Tullatnore. 6,342 

Longford. 83,196.Longford. 4,966 

Louth. 91,645.Dundalk. 10,782 

Meath. 139,706.Navan. 4,987 

Queen’s County_ 109,747.Maryborough. 3,633 

Westmeath. 106,510.Mullingar. 4,569 

Wexford. 180,170.Wexford. 11,252 

Wicklow. 99,287.Wicklow. 2,794 


MUNSTER. 



. 212,72t). 


... 9,318 

Cork. 

.... 551,152. 


... 86,485 

Kerry. 

.... 238,241. 


... 11,363 

Limerick. 

.... 201,619. 


... 55,268 

Tipperary. 

.... 323,829. 


... 13,505 

Waterford. 



... 26,667 


ULSTER. 


Antrim. 

.... 250,353. 


... 99,660 

Armagh. 

.... 196.520. 


... 12,654 

Cavan . 

_ 174,303. 


3,740 

Donegal. 

.... 244,288. 


752 

Down. 


.Downpatrick ... 


Fermanagh.... 

.... 115,978. 



Londonderry .. 

.... 191,744. 

.Londonderry.... 


Monaghan. 

.... 143,410. 


... 4,130 

Tyrone. 

.... 251,865. 




CONNAUGHT. 


Galway. 

.... 219,129. 


.... 24.697 

Leitrim. 




Mayo. 

.... 274.716. 


5,137 


173.708. 

.Roscommon .... 


Sligo. 

.... 128,769. 


,... 2,046 


7. Inliabitants. —In the northeast, a large part of the 
population consists of the descendants of English and 
Scotch, who settled in the country many years ago. These 

3. Climate ? 4. Face of the country, d'c. ? 5. Canals, industry, dc. f 











































































































































198 


IRELAND. 


speak the English language, are Protestants, and resemble 
the English people. The rest are of Celtic origin, their 
native language resembling that of the Welsh and Scotch 
Highlanders. In some parts of the south and west, many 
of the people know no other language. The native Irish 
are chiefly Catholics. The large landed proprietors gener¬ 
ally live in England, by 'which means their estates are 
neglected, and the country impoverished. The beggars in 



Irish Beggars, 


Ireland are numerous, and celebrated for their eloquence. 
A great part of the peasantry liv^e in miserable mud cabins, 
usually with a floor of clay, and without windows or chim¬ 
neys. The chief food of the peasants consists of potatoes 
and milk. In 1847, a blight, called the rot, fell upon the 
potato crop, in consequence of 
which the country was desolated 
by famine and pestilence. It is 
- supposed that three, or four hun¬ 
dred thousand persons died of dis¬ 
ease and ‘ starvation during this 

^ O 

frightful period. Since that time, 
the greater part of the inhabitants 
have been in a depressed condition. 
The Irish are remarkable for Avit, 
cheerfulness, and Avarmth of heart; 
and Swift, Goldsmith, Steele, Grat¬ 
tan, Curran, Burke, Thomas Moore, 
Wellington, and O’Connell, all Irishmen, have furnished 
brilliant examples in the highest walks of genius. 

8. Towns, &c .—Dublin is the capital of Ireland. It 
has some splendid streets, and many beautiful edifices. It 
has also streets filled Avith paupers, and is surrounded 
by multitudes of hovels, inhabited by families dressed in 
rags, and fed only with potatoes and milk. Belfast, Cork, 
and Londonderry, are populous places. The Established 
Religion in Ireland is the same as in England ; but far 
the greater part of the people are Catholics. A few are 
Presbyterian'^. The education of the masses is much neg- 




View of SU Patrick''s Cathedral^ Dublin. 


lected. The Cath¬ 
olic priests teach 
some of the childreit 
of their followers, 
but a large part of 
the population can 
neither read nor 
Avrite. There is a 
university at Dub¬ 
lin, and Catholic col¬ 


leges are established at Maynooth and C^iriow. 

9. History* —Ireland received the names of lerne and 
Hibernia from the ancients. It appears that the Phoenicians 
and Carthaginians made voyages and planted colonies here, 
several centuries before the Christian era. The numerous 
Round Towers are supposed to be the ruins of buildings once 
devoted to the fire-worship introduced by them. About 200 
B. C., a large number of Scotii, or Milesians, emigrated from 
Spain to Ireland. These Avere Celts, and laid the founda¬ 
tion of the Irish nation. Ireland, in these early ages, had 
the name of Scotia, or Scotland ; but a portion of the peo¬ 
ple emigrating to the northern part of Britain, gave this 
title to that country. It appears that Ireland AA^as, in early 
times, divided among several kings, the chief of Avhom was 
king of Meath. Here.Avas the Hall of Tara, Avhere the 
national assemblies met once a year. The priests Avere 
Druids. A branch of these, called Brehons, Avere magis¬ 
trates and judges. The people Avere in a very rude state, 
and Avars betAveen the chieftains Avere frequent. Christianity 
was introduced into Ireland, 432, by the celebrated St. 
Patrick. After a time, Ireland became the seat of numer¬ 
ous churches and many learned priests. In the eighth and 
ninth centuries, the country Avas divided between a multi¬ 
tude of kings called chiefs. Two hundred of them are said 
to haA-e been slain in one battle. For 200 years, the coun¬ 
try Avas desolated by the Danes. The celebrated chief Brian 
Boru Avas king of Munster, but at last became king of all 
Ireland. He Avas killed in the great battle of Clontarf, 
Avhen the Danes Avere defeated, and their poAver in Ireland 
finally overthroAvn. In 1172, an English nobleman, named 
Strongbow, passed OA-er to Ireland Avith a body of soldiers, 
being sent thither by Henry II., king of England, This in¬ 
vasion Avas aided by Dermot M‘Murrough, king of Lein¬ 
ster. The expedition proved partially successful. Soon 
after, Henry Avent to Ireland himself, and part of the peo¬ 
ple readily submitted to his authority. This is called the 
Conquest of Ireland ; and from this time, England claimed 
dominion over that country. The Irish have made frequent 
attempts to liberate themselves, but Avithout effect. The 
English attempted to force their religion upon the country, 
but the Celtic Irish have only clung more steadily to the 
Catholic faith, which was introduced and established by St. 
Patrick. Rebellions have been frequent in modern times, 
but they have pi’oved ineffectual. The Irish have continued 
to resist the English language and English customs, and 
have zealously cherished a spirit of national independence. 
In 1800, Ireland Avas united to the kingdom of Great Brit¬ 
ain, its OAvn parliament having ceased at that time. A 
great excitement AA^as produced in the country, a feAv years 
since, by Daniel O'Connell, aa'Iio sought a repeal of the 
union, and the partial independence of Ireland. He died 
on his way to Rome, 1847 ; and since that time, the people 
have been kept in subjection. 


6. Divisions ? 7. Inhabitants ? 8. Towns ? Describe Dublin. 


9. History? What of Brian Boru? Dermot M‘Murrough ? 





































FRANCE. 


199 


Lesson XCVII... France. 


1. Characteristics. — France is 
celebrated for its fine climate, and for 
the cheerfulness and refinement of man¬ 
ners among the people. 

2. Mountains.— HheCevennes form 
the central chain, diverging into various 
branches, called the Puy de Dome, the 
Cantal, Mont d' Or, Mountains of Au¬ 
vergne, Puy de Sansi, &c. The last 
rises 6330 feet above the level of the 
sea, and is the highest peak. On the 
eastern border are the Vosges, the Jtira 
Range, and, further south, the Alps, 
separating France from Switzerland and 
Italy. The Pyrenees separate France 
from Spain. 

3. Rivers, &c. —France is a well- 
watered country. In the north is the 
Seine, 450 miles long, flowing through 
a populous and highly cultivated valley. 

It passes through Paris, and is naviga¬ 
ble for small vessels to that city. The 
Loire, 600 miles long, the Garonne, 400 
miles long, and the Rhone, 540 miles 
long, are all fine rivers, their banks 
studded with cities, and bordered by 
rich and cultivated lands. The Rhine, 
the Moselle, and the Meuse, have a part 
of their course in France. There are 
many other smaller rivers. 

4. Coasts, Bays, &c. —On the 
north is the English Channel, called 

La Manche by the French. The Bay of Biscay, or Gulf 
of Gascony, is on the west. In the Mediterranean is the 
Gulf of Lyons. Here, on the coast of Provence, there are 
several good harbors. Along the Atlantic the shores are 
formed of sandy cliffs, presenting few havens ; that of 
Cherbourg has been artificially formed by great labor. 

5. Islands. —In the Bay of Biscay are the small 
islands of Oleron, Re, Noirmontier, and Belle Isle. A 
little to the north is Ushant. On the southern coast are 
the Hy^res. Corsica, in the Mediterranean, fifty miles 
long and 100 from the French coast, belongs to France. 
Ajaccio, celebrated as the birth-place of Napoleon Bona¬ 
parte, is the capital. 

6. Soil, Products, &c. —France may be called a 
fertile country, though the soil varies. There are extensive 
heaths along the Bay of Biscay. These are large sandy 
tracts, called landes, producing nothing but broom, heath, 
and juniper. The climate of the north is moist. There are 
frequent light snows at Paris during winter, and the Seine is 
frozen over. In the south, the climate is mild and delightful. 
The harvests take place in June and July, and the vintage 
in September. Oak, birch, elm, and ash are found in the 
forests. Apples, pears, and plums are cultivated in the 
north ; peaches, figs, oranges, and lemons in the south. 
Coal is abundant; but the mines are distant from the sea, 
and little wrought. Silver, iron, cobalt, &c., are some- 

Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of France ? Direction of 
the principal towns from Paris f On what river is Paris situated / 
Describe the following rivers in France: Seine ; Loire ; Garonne ; 
Rhone. On what waters are the following places situated: Calais ; 



times found. There are about 250 mineral springs—many 
of them celebrated. Bears, wolves, wild-boars, the ibex 
and chamois, are found in the remote mountains. The fox, 
otter, wild-cat, marten, squirrel, quails, and partridges, are 
known in different districts. Scorpions are common in the 
south. The face of the country in France is generally 
level, diversified with hills, and occasionally rising into 
mountains. 

7. Industry, Canals, &c. —Two- 
thirds of the population of France are 
engaged in agriculture. The lands are 
minutely divided—there being five mill¬ 
ions of landed proprietors. Agricul¬ 
ture is conducted with less skill than in 
England. The people excel in raising 
garden vegetables and fruit, and are the 
best wine-makers in the world. The 
commerce is not extensive for so large a 
country, but it is increasing. The prod¬ 
ucts of the manufactures are exceed¬ 
ingly numerous, combining great excel¬ 
lence of quality with great elegance of taste. There are 
about ninety canals, and several important railroads. The 
great public roads are good. The diligence, a heavy, lum¬ 
bering vehicle, is used for carrying passengers ; the malle- 
poste, a lighter vehicle, carries the mail. 

Havre; Bordeaux; Versailles; Lyons; Marseilles; Tours; Brestf 
LESSON XCVII. 1. Characteristics of France f 2. Mount¬ 
ains ? 3. Rivers, dec. ? 4. Coasts, bays, dec. ? 5. Islands ? 6. Soil, 
products, dec. 1 7. Industry, canals, dec. 1 8. Political divisions f 



eN'orman Farmer. 
















































FRANCE. 


200 



tVench Malle-Poste, 


8. Political Divisions. —France was formerly di¬ 
vided into thirty-three provinces or governments, the names 
of Avhich are connected with many historical events, and 
are still in popular use. The following table contains the 
names of the ancient provinces, with the present eighty- 
six departments. 

NORTHERN PART. 


Ancient Provinces. 


Flanders 
Artois .. 
Picardy . 


Normandy 


Isle of France 


Champagne 


Lorraine 


i 


Departments. 


North. 

Pas de Calais. 

Somme. 

Lower Seine. 

Eure . 

Calvados. 

Manche. 

Orne . 

Seine. 

Seine and Oise. 

Seine and Marne ••• • 

Oise. 

Aisne. 

Ardennes. 

Marne. 

Aube. 

Upper Marne. 

Meuse. 

Moselle. 

Meurthe. 

Vosges. 


Capitals. 


Population. 


Lille. 

69,086 

.Arras. 

22,173 

Amiens. 

42,032 

Uoiien. 

93,000 

Evreux. 

9,729 

Caen. 

38,161 

Saint Lo. 

8,509 

Alencon. 

14,071 

Paris’. 

1,100,000 

Versailles. 

39,986 

Melun. 

7,199 

Beauvais. 

12,865 

Laon. 

7,354 

.Mezieres. 

4,159 

Chalons-aur-Marne. 

12,419 

Troyes. 

25,587 

Chaumont. 

6,027 

Bar-le-Duc. 

12,520 
45,276 
29,122 . 

Nancy. 

Epinal. 

7,951 


CENTRAL PART. 


r Loiret. 

Orleannois.^ Eure and Loir... 

( Loir and Cher... 

Touraine. | Indre and Loire . 

„ i Indre. 

Be^y.icher.. 

Nivcmais.I Nievre. 

Bourbonnais. Allier. 

Marche. 1 Creuse. 

I Upper Vienne.. 

Limousin.} Correze. 

. t Puy de Dome . • • 

Auvergne.J Yantai. 


Orleans. 

Chartres. 

Blois . 

Tours. 

Chateauroux • 

Bourges. 

Nevers.. 

■Vloulins ..... 

Gueret. 

Limoges .... 

Tulle. 

Clermont .••• 
Aurillac. 


WESTERN PART. 


Maine . 


5 Sarthe. 

.1 Mayenne. 

Anjou.I Maine and Loire 

f nie and Vilaine.. 

Cotes du Nord • • 

Brittany.-s Finisterre. 

I Morbihan. 

(, Lower Loire ... - 

t Vienne. 

Poitou. . Two Sevres. 

f Vendee. 

Aunis.i Lower Charente. 

Saintonge and Angoumois < Charente. 


La Mans. 

Laval. 

Angers. 

Rennes. 

Saint Brieuc. 

Quimper. 

Vannes. 

Nantes. 

Poitiers. 

Niort. 

Bourbon Vendee■ 

Rochelle. 

Angouleme. 


EASTERN PART. 


(Upper Rhine- 
Alsace. j Rhine- 


, Upper Sadne .. ■ 

Tranche Comt6.< Doubs. 

! Jura. 

' Yonne. 

_ . . C6te d’Or. 

Burgundy.. ga5iie and Loire. 

(.Ain. 

, t Rhone. 

Lyonnais. Lo^j-a. 


Colmar. 

Strasbourg. 

Vesoul. 

Besan^on. 

Lons-le-Saulnier. 

Auxerre. 

Dijon. 

Macon. 

Boilrg. 

Lyons. 

Montbrison. 


40,340 

13,703 

11,337 

20,927 

11,010 

19,500 

15,782 

14,525 

3,448 

25,612 

8,479 

30,010 

8,576 


19,477 

15,840 

29,978 

29,377 

9,963 

10,032 

11,289 

71,937 

21,563 

15,799 

3,129 

11,173 

15,306 


15,495 

49,708 

5,252 

28,795 

7,864 

12,348 

23,845 

10,963 

8,424 

150,000 

5,156 


SOUTHERN PART, 


Ancient Prorioces. 


Languedoc 


Roussillon .... 
County of Foix 


Guyenne and Gascony.... 


Bearn. 

Dauphiny. 

County of V'enaissin 

Provence. 

Corsica. 


Dep-irtmenta. 


Capital., 


Popiilatioiv 


■ Upper Loire ... ~. 

Ardeche. 

Lozere. 

Card. 

llerault. 

Tarn. 

Aude. 

t Upper Garonne. 

I East Pyrenees. 

C Dordogne. 

Gironde. 

Lot and Garonne ... • 

Lot. 

Tarn and Garonne.. ■ 

Aveyron. 

Landes. 

Gers. 

( Upiier Pyrenees. 

1 Lower Pyrenees. 

i Isere . 

< Drome. 

( Upper Alps. 

1 Vaucluse. 

t I.ower Alps. 

? Mouths of Rhone.... 

( Var. 

I Corsica. 


Le Puy. 

Privas. 

Mende. 

Nimes. 

.Montpelier. 

Alby. 

Ciirciissonne. 

Touloust!. 

Perpignan . 

Foix. 

Perigueux. 

Bortleaux. 

A gen. 

Cahors. 

Montaubnn . 

Rhodez. 

.Monl-de-.Vlarsan ... 

.Aiich. 

Tarbes. 

PitU . 

Grenoble. 

Valence . 

Gap. 

.Avignon . 

Digue . 

Marseilles. 

Draguignan. 

Ajaccio . 


14,998 
4,199 
0,445 
39,068 
3.5,842 
10,993 
17,755 
55,319 
15,357 
4,958 
8,588 
93,.549 
11,971 
12,413 
25.466 
7,747 
3,088 
10,844 
8,712 
11,761 
23,149 
10.283 
7,015 
31,180 
3,9.55 
115,941 
8,035 
7,658 


9. Iiiliabitants. —These are mostly descended from 
the ancient Celts, mixed with Burgundians in the center, 
Greeks at Marseilles, Franks, Goths, and Normans, at the 
north. Over all these, the Roman sway of 500 years ex¬ 
ercised a great influence. The nation was formerly divided 
into the nobility, the clergy, and the third estate, which 
comprised the great body of the people. The two former 
classes enjoyed important privileges and exemptions, but 
these are abolished. There is no great difference in the 
character of society in the higher and more cultivated 
classes of Europe. In France, however, and especially in 
Paris, it is distinguished for delicacy, polish, refinement, 
elegance, and ease. Taking the nation at large, the middle 
classes are equal to other countries in the strictness and 
elevated tone of their morals. The lower class are industri¬ 
ous and temperate, and, though uneducated, have a con¬ 
siderable amount of information. Gayety, wit, and intelli¬ 
gence, with decency and politeness of manners, are common 
to all classes of the French. The women in France have a 
great influence on the character of society, and are dis¬ 
tinguished for their grace and fascination of manner, rather 

than for personal beauty. In 
the country, they engage, with 
the men, in the labors of the 
field. The French are more 
lively and excitable, more im¬ 
petuous, and more fond of 
amusement, than the English 
or Germans ; but those who 
should adopt the prejudiced 
representations or the exag¬ 
gerated satires of British wri¬ 
ters on the French character, 
and set down the nation as 
vain, frivolous, fickle, obsequi¬ 
ous, and licentious, would find themselves, on visiting the 
country, much mistaken. The Frenchman is brave, high- 
spirited, generous, and honorable ; no nation has produced 
greater military geniuses, or contributed more to the prog¬ 
ress of learning and science. Through their genial charac¬ 
ter, the French have spread their literature over Europe, 
and made their language the language of courts, throughout 
that quarter of the world. 

10. Governmeot.—The government established after 



Harvest in J^ormandy. 


































































































































































































































FRANCE. 201 


the revolution of 1848, consisted of an Assembly of about 
750 persons, who sit the greater part of the time, and 
pass the laws. The chief executive is a President, 
elected for four years, by the electors at large. A large 
majority of the people are Catholics, though there is no 
religion established by law. A considerable portion of 
the upper classes among the Catholics are skeptics in 
religion; and throughout the country, there is not that 
steady love of truth, and constant recurrence to a rigid 
rule of right, that is so prominent a characteristic of the 
English. The rural Catholics appear to be sincere, and 
devoted to their religion. The army consists of about 
400,000 men. The navy contains 226 sailing vessels and 
ninety-one steamers. The revenue is about $260,000,000 
a year. The national debt is $800,000,000. The institu¬ 
tions for the higher deafrees of education are numerous in 
all the departments. Only partial provision is made for 
the education of the masses. The quick intelligence of the 
people, and their social habits, supply, in some degree, the 
want of school education to the people at large. 

11. Chief Towns. — Paris, the capital, is the most 
agreeable city in the world. It abounds in magniBcent 
edifices, palaces, promenades, public gardens, fountains, 
and places of amusement. It is surrounded by two walls; 
the outer one is connected with fortifications. The houses 
are, for the most part, built of freestone, obtained from 
quarries beneath the city. These vast excavations, called 
the Catacombs, have been used as a depository of the bones 
of the dead, where they are arranged in a fanciful man¬ 
ner. The palace of the Tuileries was, for a long time, the 
chief residence of the kings. The national library contains 
four hundred thousand volumes. The national museum 
contains a most magnificent display of paintings and statu¬ 
ary. The national gardens embrace the most extensive and 
complete collection of specimens in the animal, mineral, 
and vegetable kingdoms, in the world. This gay city, 
which at first seems only made for pleasure and amuse¬ 
ment, will be found to contain within its walls some of the 
most scientific and profound scholars that any age has pro¬ 
duced. Paris sets the fashions for Europe and America. 
An immense trade is carried on there in articles of dress, by 
milliners and mantuamakers. The female fashions are fre¬ 
quently changed, and every few months there is a new cut 

for male attire. Yet, while 
they are so fickle in the me¬ 
tropolis, in many parts of 
France the fashions are un¬ 
changeable. People may 
at all times be seen in Paris, 
from different parts of the 
kingdom, attired in the exact 
costumes of a century ago. 
Besides Paris, there are 
many other large and cele¬ 
brated towns in France. 
Lyons is renowned for its 
rich silk goods, and gold 
and silver stuffs ; Marseilles, 
as a seaport; Bordeaux, 
for its wines; Brest and 
Toulon, as naval stations; 
Rouen, for its varied manu- 
Cathedraz of Rheims. factures ; Montpelier, OS the 

9. Inhabitantsi 10. Government? 11. Ohief tovms? Give a 

26 


resort of invalids on account of its charming climate; 
Versailles, for its magnificent palace ; Strasbourg, for its 
cathedral, with the loftiest church spire in the world ; and 
Rheims, for its ancient church, in which the kings of France 
were formerly crowned. 

12. Ancient Geography-. —The Greeks called this 
country Galatia ; the Romans, Gallia. The first inhabit¬ 
ants were the Belgoe, who occupied what is now called 
Belgium, and were mingled with the adjacent German 
tribes ; the Go,ids, or Cells, who peopled the north; and 
the Aquitani, who dwelt in the southwest. The latter, 
bordering on Spain, were blent with the tribes of that 
country. Ancient Gaul was, therefore, considered as di¬ 
vided into three parts, occupied by these three great 
nations ; but after the conquest by the Romans, the country 
was divided into four parts, called the Four Gauls. These 
were as follows ; 


Divisions. 

No. of Provinces. 

Chief Cities. 

Modern Names. 



Nemausus. 

Nismes. 



Tolosa. 

Toulouse. 



Narbo. 

Narbonne. 



Viennensis. 

Vienne. 



Avenio. 

Avignon. 



GratianapolU . 

Grenoble. 



Massilia . 

Marseilles. 



, Telo Martins. 

Toulon. 



' Avaricum. 

Bo urges. 



Augustonometum • • • • 

Clermont. 







Burdigala. 

Bordeaux. 



L Laperduin. 

Bayonne. 



'Lugdunum. 

Lyons. 



Augustodunum. 

Autun. 



Alesia . 

Alise. 



Agedincum . 

Sens. 

Gallia Lugdunensis .. 


Autricum . 

Chartres. 



Augustobona . 

Troyes. 



Rotoinagus . 

Rouen. 



Ar®genus . 

Bayeux. 



Brivates Portus . 

Brest. 



' Augusta . 

Treves. 



Divodurum . 

Metz. 



Verodunuin . 

Verdun. 



Durocortorum . 

Rheims. 



Durocatalaimum . 

Chtdons. 

Gallia Belgica . 


CoBsaromagus . 

Beauvois. 



Culonia Agrippina--. • 

Colocfno. 



Lugdunum Batavurum 

Leyden. 



Moguntiacum . 

Mentz. 



Coniliuentes . 

Coblentz. 



Argentoratum .. 

Slr.asbourg. 


It will be understood that this last division embraced por¬ 
tions of Belgium, France, and Germany. Of the three 
great races or nations who appear to have possessed ancient 
Gaul, the Celts were by far the most numerous. These, 
like the Belgae and Aquitani, were each divided into a great 
number of tribes, as were the Indians of our country when 
it was first discovered. 

13. History.— It is probable that France was inhabited 
for 2000 years before the Christian era; but for many 
centuries the people were few in number, and of wild and 
savage habits. About the year 630 B. C., it appears that 
the Cimbri, a populous nation dwelling on the banks of the 
Euxine, were driven westward by some great movement in 
Central Asia. They passed into France, where they set¬ 
tled in great numbers. They conquered the few people 
whom they found there, and formed the body of the nation, 
which took the name of Gaul from the Romans. They 
were of Celtic origin, and brought with them the Druidical 
religion. They soon became numerous, and made several 
incursions into the Greek and Roman territories, as early 
as the third and fourth centuries B. C. It appears that 

description of Paris. 12. Ancient geography ? 13. History ? 








































































202 


FRANCE. 



Clovis at the Head of his Army. 


the Plioenicians, attracted by the rich mines of Gaul, traded 
along its coasts at an early date ; and in 590, a Greek 
colony was founded at Marseilles, wdiose descendants con¬ 
stitute a considerable portion of the present inhabitants of 
that city. Other tribes, of various descent, were settled in 
different parts ; the Celts, however, still form’ing the great 
body of the nation. About the year 50 B. C., Julius 
Caesar completed his subjugation of Gaul, after nine bloody 
campaigns. The country was rapidly transformed by con¬ 
tact with the customs and law's of Rome. There were now 
present, at that capital, Gallic orators, Gallic scholars, and 
Gallic generals. Rome, in return, sent her refinements, 
her religion, laws, and arts. The Gauls ceased to be sav¬ 
ages, and the country was marked with cities, villas, tem¬ 
ples, and roads. The mixture of the two races, Italian and 
Celtic, is showm in the French language, which is a com¬ 
pound of the Celtic and Latin tongues, sprinkled, however, 
with the dialects of other tribes. In the fifth century, the 
Rorrtan Empire was crushed, and Gaul was overrun by the 
Burgundians, Visigoths, and finally by the Franks, from 
the borders of the Rhine. It is said that a portion of these 
were led into the country, A. D. 420, by their king, named 
Pharamond. Other portions of the tribe followed, and 
the Franks became the ruling people, giving the name of 
France to the country. Clovis, a descendant of Meroveus, 
became king in 481, and thus the kingdom of France was 
first established. In 496, Clovis was baptized at Rheims, 
and thus Christianity w'as established in the country. He 
w'as an able sovereign, but he passed his whole time in the 
midst of soldiers—more like a chief of banditti than a king. 
His suocessoi’s, forming the Merovingian Dynasty, reigned 
over France till *741, when they were succeeded by the 
Carlovingian Dynasty, wdiich commenced with Charles 
Martel, son of Pepin, mayor of the palace, Avho ascended 
the throne at that date. He was succeeded by his sons, 
Charles and Carloman, '768. The former died, and the 
latter, afterward called Charlemagne, became sole master 
of the empire of the Franks. He was the most celebrated 
warrior and statesman of his age. He was born at Saltz- 


burg, in Bavaria, and he fixed his court at Aix-la-Chapelle, 
now' in Prussia. His kingdom included not only France, 
but a part of Germany. He greatly extended it; and at 
his death, in 840, the empire included Italy, all Germany, 
Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, Prussia, Holland, Belgium, 
half of Spain, and all France. The Carlovingians were 
succeeded by the Capetian Dynasty, which commenced 
with Hugh Capet, A. D. 1017. This race of kings de¬ 
scended to our owm time, giving sovereigns to several 
European kingdoms. The last of the line, in France, was 
Louis Philippe, driven from the throhe in 1848. On the 
accession of Hugh Capet, a great part of France w'as occu¬ 
pied by dukes or barons, who were almost equal to the 
king in authority. For nearly three centuries, the history 
of France presents a contest betw'een the crown and these 
feudal lords. In the end, the latter w'ere humbled, and 
the supreme pow'er became centered in the hands of the 
sovereign. The Crusades produced a great excitement in 
France, and here the institution of Chivalry attained its 
highest glory. From the year 1328 to the year 1430, 
various wars were carried on between England and France. 
The former several times invaded the latter, and at one 
period claimed dominion over that country. During this 
period, the celebrated Maid of Orleans appeared in history. 
She delivered Charles VII. from his enemies, and after 
having performed the most wonderful exploits, she Avas 
captured, and executed on a charge of sorcer\', 1430. 
During the reign of Louis XI., Avho was a suspicious and 
despicable tyrant, and who died in 1483, the ascendency of 
the crown over the nobles Avas completed. During the 
reign of Charles IX., the celebrated Massacre of St. Bar¬ 
tholomew's Eve occurred, August 24th, 1572. For 
eight days and nights, blood floAved in the streets of the 
larger cities, and the gutters were choked Avith dead bodies. 
This Avas a scheme of the Catholics to annihilate the Hu¬ 
guenots, or Protestants. The king himself, from his Avin- 
doAv, in Paris, shot doAvn these people, as if they had been 
so many Avolves or foxes. A hundred thousand persons 
were sacrificed in this ruthless butchery. The Pope of 

Charles Martel ? Charlemagne f Capet f St. Bartholomew's Eve t 


What of the early histori of France? Julius Caesar? Clovis? 


















































FRANCE. 


203 



Napoleon in Battle. 


Rome, Gregory VIII., deemed these glorious events. He 
went in solemn procession to give thanks for the slaughter 
of the heretics, and caused medals to be struck in com¬ 
memoration of it. In 1594, Henry IV., the favorite 
of the French nation, came to tlie throne. During his 
reign of sixteen years, France rapidly advanced in power 
and prosperity. On the 14th of May, 1610, Henry was 
stabbed to the heart by a fanatic, named Ravaillac. His 
son, nine years old, came to the throne ; the queen-mother, 
Marie de Medicis, being declared regent. In 1621, the 
celebrated Richelieu 'became prime minister. During his 
able, but despotic administration, France was elevated to 
the hight of power, both at home and abroad. Louis 
XIII. died in 1642, and his son, Louis XIV., surnamed 
the Great, succeeded, being onh^ four years old. When he 
reached his majority, he assumed the active charge of 
government, and during his long and vigorous reign of 
seventy-three years, he continued personally to direct the 
affairs of the kingdom. He engrossed the whole power 
into his own hands, making it his boast that he was himself 
the state. He carried on wars with various countries, pro¬ 
moted literature and the arts, and received from his people 
the flattering title of “ Le Grand Monarqtte.” This is 
considered the most brilliant period of the French mon¬ 
archy. Many of the sumptuous buildings of Paris, and 
the stupendous palace of Versailles, were built during this 
reign. Nevertheless, the glory of Louis XIV. was a hol¬ 
low triumph. The enormous expenses of his reign laid 
the foundation for the French Revolution, which burst out 
witli terrific violence in 1789. Dining the agitation which 
followed, the king, Louis XVI., and the queen, Marie 
Antoinette, perished oi the scaft'old. All Europe was in¬ 
volved in a bloody conflict. Napoleon Bonaparte at last 
gained the ascendenc 3 ^ In 1804, he was declared heredi- 
taiT Emperor of France. His power was now nearly su¬ 
preme in Europe. In 1812, he marched against Rus- 
. si i with a splendid arm^’ of 400,000 men. He was driven 
back by the severity of the climate and the vigorous 
attacks of the enemy—nearly his whole array being de- 

What of Henry 1V. ? Richelieu ? Louis XIV. ? Napoleon ? 


stroyed ; 50,000 only returned. Napoleon reached Paris, 
and immediately made preparations to meet the terrible 
shock which now threatened him from the embattled, 
armies of all Northern Europe. He was defeated, and the 
allies took possession of Paris, March 31, 1814. The 
proud palace of the Tuileries was inhabited by soldiers, 
and the superb gardens were the camp of the Cossacks of 
Russia. Napoleon resigned his throne, and was exiled to 
the little island of Elba, on the coast of Italy. Here he 
remained till March, 1815, when he suddenly returned to 
France. His old soldiers rallied around him, and as he 
entered Paris in triumph, Louis XVIII., the restored 
Bourbon king, fled out on the other side. Napoleon 
reigned for 10^0 days. On the 18th of June he met the 
allied armies on the field of Waterloo, commanded by the 
Duke of Wellinofton. The conflict was terrible, and the 
eyes of the whole world were on the issue. Bonaparte 
was defeated, and exiled to St. Helena, where he died in 
1821. Louis XVIII. reigned till 1824, when he died, and 
was succeeded by his brother, Charles X. The latter 
showed despotic tendencies, and was driven from the coun¬ 
try, after a revolution of three days, July, 1830. Louis 
Philippe succeeded, and reigned nearly eighteen j^ears, 
when he also was obliged to fly, in consequence of the 
revolution of 1848, provoked by his usurpations. In the 
autumn of this j'ear, a republican constitution was adopted, 
and Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was elected President for 
4 years. On the ^d Dec., 1851, he suppressed the consti¬ 
tution, and was subsequently elected President for 10 years. 

14. Republic of Andorre. —This is a neutral terri¬ 
tory, on the southern slope of the Pyrenees, thirty-six 
miles long and thirty wide, consisting of three small val¬ 
leys, with 2000 inhabitants. They are devoted Catho¬ 
lics, are generally ignorant,, and only a small part can 
either read or write. Though they speak the Catalan lan¬ 
guage, they are rather attached to the French. They owe 
to Charlemagne, their independence which has been main¬ 
tained to the present time. They are considered under the 
protection of the governments of Spain and France. 


Louis XVIII.? Charles X.? d'c., d'c. 14. Republic of Andos ref 





































204 


SPAIN. 


ed 


s 

o 


ss 


Lesson XCVIII... Spam. 

1. Characteristics. — Spain, 
often called the Peninsula, is noted 
ior its beautiful climate, its romantic 
scenery, and its rich productions. 

U. Mountains, &c. — Spain, 
occupying the greater part of the 
jxminsula at the southwestern ex¬ 
tremity of Europe, is more diversi¬ 
fied in its surface than any other 
country of equal extent in this quar¬ 
ter of the world. The interior is a 
vast table-land, occupying one-half 
of the whole area, and is nearly sur¬ 
rounded by mountains. Of these, 
there are five chains, called the Span¬ 
ish Sierras. First, on the north, ex¬ 
tending along the Bay of Biscay, 
and separating Spain from France, 
are the Pyrenees, 11,168 feet high. 

Second, the Guadarama, Gredos, 
and Gata, between the Douro and 
Tagus, 10,500 feet high. Third, the 
Toledo Mountains, between the 
Tagus and Guadiana. Fourth, the 
Sierra Morena Mountains, between 
the Guadiana and Guadalquivir. 

Fifth, the Sierra Nevada, extending 
from Carthagena to Cadiz, lEGVO 
feet high, and the highest point in the province. 

.3. Rivers, dec.— The chief rivers of Spain are the 
Ebro, flowing into the Mediterranean ; the Guadalquivir and 
the Guadiana, flowing into the Atlantic ; and the Tagus 
and Duero,.or Douro, flowing through Portugal into the At¬ 
lantic. Few of these are navigable except for small boats, 
a short distance from their mouth. The only lakes in Spain 
are the Albufera, in Valencia, and the Mar Menor, in Mur¬ 
cia. The coasts, having an extent of 1800 miles on the 
Atlantic and Mediterranean, are but little indented. The 
chief capes are Or legal. Finis terre, and St. Vincent, on the 
Atlantic, and Gibraltar, De Gatt, and San Martin, in the 
Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands, consisting of Ma¬ 
jorca, Minorca, Ivica, and Fromentera, with some smaller 
ones lying in the Mediterranean, belong to Spain. Majorca, 
100 miles from the coast, and 40 miles in extent, each way, 
is the principal. It has the valuable harbor of Port Mahon. 
These islands produce oranges, olives, wine, &c. 

4. Vegetable Productions.— There are pine forests 
on the different ranges 
of mountains. Among 
the eight species of 
oak which Spain pro¬ 
duces, are the ever¬ 
green oak, with edible 
fruit; the cork-tree ; 
and the cochineal oak, 
upon which is found 
an insect which yields 
a fine crimson color. 

The apart, or Spanish 


Extent of Portugal, 34,500 sq. m.—Pop., 3,412,506.—Pop. to sq. m.. 







Aruic 




orq 


cw 

es 



Cork Forest, 


Sxercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Spain? Capital? 
Extent? Population, dec. ? Direction of the principal places from 
Madrid? What three islands belong to Spain? I'heir situation? 


Extent of Spain, 176,480 sq. m.—Pop., 14,216,219.—Pop. to sq. m., 81. 


broom, a flowering shrub, is braided or woven into forty 
different articles. Dates, olives, figs, grapes, grain, hemp, 
and sugar-cane are among the products of agriculture. 

5. Curiosities. — Montserrat, a detached eminence 
of the Pyrenees, thirty miles northwest of Barcelona, con¬ 
sists of a cluster of sharp peaks, 3300 feet high, always 
capped with clouds. Here are fourteen hermitages, occu¬ 
pied by monks, upon different parts of the bights ; and 
about half way up is a magnificent convent of Benedictines. 
The scenery here is remarkably grand. 

6. Animals. —The plains and mountains abound in 
game. The wild boar, the bear, and various kinds of deer, 
are found in the mountains of Galicia and the Asturian for¬ 
ests. Hares, rabbits, partridges, flamingoes, and bustards 
are common in Andalusia. The wolf still frequents nearly 
all the wooded and mountainous districts of the country. 
The chamois and the lynx find a shelter in the Pyrenees, 
and the other mountains of the east. The moufflon is found 
in the kingdom of Murcia. The genet, porcupine, scorpion, 
and chameleon may also be mentioned. Cantharides, ta-. 
rentulas, and musquetoes abound. Estremadura and Anda¬ 
lusia are sometimes desolated by swarms of locusts from 
the African coast. 

7. Minerals. —Spain supplied the ancient inhabitants 
of Europe with the greater part of the precious metals they 
possessed, but her mineral products are small at the pres¬ 
ent day. Mines of quicksilver are wrought at Almaden 
and La Mancha, and iron is furnished by the provinces of 
Biscay. Coal is wrought in Catalonia and the Asturias. 
Sulphur is found in the neighborhood of Cadiz. Mineral 
springs are numerous ; but regular watering-places and 

Describe the Ebro; Guadalquivir; Tagus; Ducro; Guadiana. 

LESSON XCVIII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains, dec.? 
Z. Rivers, d:c. ? Vegetable productions ? 5. Curiosities ? 6. 









































































SPAIN. 


205 


bathing establishments do not exist in Spain. A hospital I 
is the only common accompaniment. | 

8. Climate. —This country lies in the southern part of 
the temperate zone, and the cold is never excessive, even in 
the northern parts. In the south, the heats of midsummer 
would be intolerable but for the sea-breeze, which begins 
to blow at nine in the morning, and continues till five in the 
evening. The interior is so elevated, as to be much cooler 
than might be expected from the latitude. The provinces 
along the Mediterranean are the paradise of this kingdom. 
An everliisting spring seems to reign in this delightful dis¬ 
trict. The sky of Andalusia is pure azure and gold. The 
inhabitants of Seville affirm that a day was never known 
when the sun did not shine upon their city. Two kinds of 
winds are sometimes unpleasant in Spain. The Gallego, 
coming from the mountains of the northwest, is piercing 
and cold; the Solano, a southwest wind from Africa, is so 
hot as to relax the human system, and produce giddiness 
and inflammation. 

9. Soil.— The greater part of the country, except the 
mountain ridges, is fertile, and covered with a luxuriant 
vegetation. The fruits and plants offer a greater variety 
than is afforded by any other European region of the same 
extent. The land is everywhere favorable to the cultiva¬ 
tion of the vine. Spain may be regarded as naturally the 
most fruitful country of Europe. 

10. Political Pivisions. —The followini; table shows 
the old provinces, as well as the existing ones, into which 
they have been divided, together with the capitals and 
population: 


OIJ Froviucfs. 


Andalusia 


Aragon. 

Asturias ••• • 


tile. "I 


New Castile 


Old Castile.. ^ 


Estremadura 



New Provinces. 


Cordova. 

Jaen. 

Granada. 

Almeria. 

Malaga. 

Sevilla. 

Cadiz. 

Huelva. 

Zaragoza. 

Huesca. 

Teruel. 

Oviedo. 

Madrid. 

Toledo. 

Ciudad Real. 

Cuenca. 

(^uadalaxara. 

Uurgos. 

Logrono.. 

Santander. 

Avila. 

Segovia. 

Soria. 

Valladolid. 

Palencia. 

Badajoz. 

Caceres. 

Barcelona.. 

Tarragona. 

Lurida. 

Gerona. 

Coruna.. 

Lugo.. 

Orense. 

I’onlevedra. 

Leon. 

Salamanca. 

Zamora.. 

Murcia. 

Albacete. 

Valencia. 

Alicante.. 

Castellon de la Plana-•• 

Navarra. 

Vitoria. 

Bilboa. 

St. Sebastian. 

Balearic Isles. 

Canary Isles. 


Capit.xlc. 


Cordova. 

Jaen. 

Granada. 

•Almeria... 

Malaga.... 

Seville. 

Cadiz. 

Huelva. 

Saragossa. 

Huesca. 

Teruel. 

Oviedo. 

.Madrid. 

Toledo. 

Ciudad Real. 

Cuenca. 

Guadalaxara. 

Burgos. 

Logrono. 

Santander. 

Avila. 

Segovia. 

Soria. 

Valladolid. 

Palencia. 

Badajoz.• 

Caceres. 

Barcelona. 

Tarragona. 

Lerida. 

Gerona. 

C<jruna. 

Lugo . 

Orense. 

Pontevedra. 

Leon. 

Salamanca. 

Zamora. 

.Murcia. 

.Albacete. 

Valencia. 

Alicante. 

Ca.stellon de la Plana.... 

Pamplona. 

Vitoria. 

Bilboa. 

St. Sebastian. 

Palma.,.. 

Santa Cruz de Teneriffe. • 


Pop’u. 


41,976 

17,327 

70,025 

17,800 

65,865 

84,927 

53,922 

7,173 

40,482 

9,200 

6,752 

10,560 

216,740 

13,431 

8,300 

6,980 

5,170 

14,790 

7,041 

15.286 

4,(MX) 

7,646 

3,372 

19,191 

10,490 

12,000 

9.521 

112,046 

11,475 

16.634 

7,661 

18,840 

7,269 

5,022 

4,549 

5,720 

12,870 

9,926 

43,488 

13.143 

71,013 

19,021 

16,952 

11,000 

14,901 

ll,9t)0 

1,.594 

40.514 

9,370 


mala? 1, Minerals? Q. Climate? 9. Soil? 10. Political Divi- 


11. Face of the Country. —Spain is an elevated, 
mountainous, and beautifully picturesque country. It ex¬ 
hibits an alternation of mountain ridges and wide plains, 
everywhere watered by rivers and small streams. The 
hills are covered with vineyards, and the valleys display the 
most luxuriant vegetation. The southern part looks like a 
garden in perpetual bloom. In external beauty, few coun¬ 
tries in the world equal Spain. 

12. Industry, &c ,—The manufactures of Spain have 
declined. Saltpeter, gunpowder, cotton, fire-arms, tobacco, 
porcelain, and glass are made by government. The other 
manufactures include silks, cottons, woolens, leather, cut¬ 
lery, (fee. Great attention is paid to the culture of grapes. 
Wheat, maize, barley, rice, hemp, flax, soda, honey, wax, 
and silk are also produced. Oranges, figs, olives, and mel¬ 
ons are largely cultivated. The 
merino sheep are bred with care, 
and amount to five or six mill¬ 
ions. The horses of Andalusia 
are celebrated. The mules and 
asses are also remarkable for 
beauty and size. Goats are 
abundant in the table-lands. The 
commercial advantages are great, 
but commerce is injured by extensive smuggling. The ex¬ 
ports include wool, wine, brandy, oil, fruits, iron, lead, mer¬ 
cury, and salt. The roads in Spain are generally bad. 
Wheel-carriages are little used, and internal traveling and 
transport are effected by mules. There are several canals, 
but they are mostly in an unfinished state. There is one 
railroad, fifteen and a half miles long, from Barcelona to 
Mataro, opened in 1848. 

13. Inhabitants. —The Spanish nation is derived from 
several races—the Celtic, Roman, Gothic, and Arabic. The 
distinctions of character in the different provinces are strik¬ 
ing. In general, the Spaniard is temperate, honest, and 
devout. The upper classes are grave ; the lower gay, 
witty, frugal, good-humored, and courteous. The favorite 
amusements are dancing and bull-fights. The food is 



Spanish Bull-b'ight. 

meager. Chocolate is the common drink. Milk, butter, 
and cheese are little used. The wines are drank by all 
classes. Sherry, Malaga, and Catalonia are well known in 
foreign countries. In the commercial towns, the dress is 
similar to that of other European cities. The old Spanish 

sions ? 11. Face of the country ? 12. Imiustry ? 13. Inhabitants ? 

















































































































































































SPAIN. 


206 


cloak is still worn in Castile. The ladies seldom appear in 
public but in the national dress, which is black. The man¬ 
tilla, a rich black scarf, is thrown over the head, displaying 
a large and costly comb. Neither bonnet nor ribbons are 
generally worn by ladies. The French fashions are beginning, 
however, to be followed. The Roman Catholic religion is es¬ 
tablished by law. The Inquisition, introduced in the time of 
Ferdinand and Isabella, exercised a terrible power for sev¬ 
eral centuries, during which it subjected thousands to tor¬ 
ture, and other thousands to cruel and painful deaths. 
This has been abolished, and the church lands, which \vere 
formerly of great value, have been recently confiscated to 
the use of the state. Most of the great monasteries and 
nunneries have been suppressed. Education is very little 
diffused, there being no schools for the lower classes except 
in tlie larger towns. The children of the rich are educated 
in France and other countries. There are fourteen universi¬ 
ties, but these are only attended by a few students of law 
and medicine. The Spanish language is a mixture of Latin, 
Gothic, and Arabic elements, and is remarkable for its dig¬ 
nity. The most famous Spanish Avriter is Cervantes, the 
author of Don Quixote. Calderon and Lope de Vega ex¬ 
celled in dramatic literature, and Ercilla in poetry. 

14. Government. —The government, established in 
1837, is a constitutional monarchy, Isabella being pro¬ 
claimed queen. The legislature is called the Cortes. Each 
province has a government for the superintendence of its 
internal affairs. The laws are reduced to a regular code. 

O 

The army consists of about 140,000 men. The navy em¬ 
braces about thirty vessels of war. The public debt is 
$800,000,000 ; the annual re\'enue is about $50,000,000. 

15. Towns.— Madrid, the capital, on a small branch 
of the Tagus, is a magnificent city. Cadiz, on the island 
of Leon, is the great center of commerce. Seville, once the 
residence of the Moorish kin£js, and still embellished Avith 
their beautiful structures, has some trade, and considerable 
manufactures of silk, Avoolen, and tobacco. Granada is re- 
noAvned for the Alhambra, a palace of the Moorish sover¬ 
eigns, seeming rather like the gorgeous creations of fancy, 
than of art. Barcelona, Saragossa, Cordova, and Valencia 
are all interesting places. Gibraltar is celebrated for its 
fortress on a rock 1400 feet in hight, and commanding the 
passage of the straits between Europe and Africa. It be¬ 
longs to the English, and is perforated like a honeycomb 
Avith military Avorks, Avalks, passages, and covered ways. 
It seems bristling Avith cannon and bayonets, and is deemed 
the strongest fortification in Europe. The toAvn stands at 
the foot of the rock, and has considerable commerce. 

16. History*—The earliest inhabitants of Spain, like 
those of Gaul and Britain, were of the Celtic race. The 
country Avas called Iberia by the Greeks, and the people 
Celtiberi. The country Avas also called Hesperia. The 
Phoenicians traded along the coast as early as 1000 B. C. 
The Carthaginians followed at a later date, founded colo¬ 
nies, and Avrouc;ht the rich silver mines. The Romans con- 
quered portions of the country, and finally Avrested the 
whole of it from Carthage. In the time of Augustus, the 
Avhole territory, including Portugal, had become a Roman 
province ; the people quietly submitting to the government, 
and adopting the Roman language, manners, and customs. 
Prior to the fall of Rome, several tribes of Goths rushed 
into the kingdom. The Gothic monarchy Avas founded by 
Ataulph, 419 A. D. The Saracens, the successors of 

14. Government f 15. Towns f Describe Madrid: Seville, d'c. [ 


Mahomet, having overrun Northern Africa, established a 
poAverful kingdom at Fez. Invited over to Spain by Count 
Julian, they crossed the Straits of Gibraltar, spread their 
immense hosts over Andalusia, and defeated and sIcav the 
king, Roderic, in battle. They thus terminated the Gothic 
kingdom, and established the Saracen or Moorish empire, 
714 A. D. They noAv crossed the Pyrenees, and appeared 
about to overrun all Europe, Avhen they Avere met upon the 
plains of Aquitaine by Charles Martel, and defeated in one 
of the bloodiest battles ever recorded in history. Thus 
checked in their progress, they still remained in occupation 
of the finest portions of the Spanish Peninsula. The Span¬ 
iards continued to hold parts of the country-( and, under a 
succession of able chiefs, maintained a constant Avar against 
the usurping infidels. The celebrated Cid, Don Rodrigo 



Diaz de Bivar, who flourished about 1060, performed prod¬ 
igies of valor in these conflicts, and has CA-er since been the 
hero of Spanish romance. In 14 7 4, Ferdinand and Isabella, 
Avho had reigned in separate kingdoms, now united their 
thrones. In 1492, the Moorish kingdom, reduced to the 
single province of Granada, Avas conquered. The Span¬ 
ish monarchy noAv extended to every part of the peninsula. 
Columbus discovered America in 1492, and Spain en¬ 
tered upon the most brilliant era of its annals. The extent 
of her colonies, in different parts of the Avorld, Avas so great, 
that the sun was said never to set upon her dominions. 
Charles V. became king of Spain in 1615 ; and tAA'o years 
after, was elected Emperor of Germany. He maintained 
the ascendency of Spain during several wars, and retired to 
the privacy of monastic life, making his son Philip his suc¬ 
cessor, 1558. This gloomy bigot Avas husband of Queen 
Mary of England, and it Avas he who sent against that coun¬ 
try the Invincible Armada, which proved so abortive, in the 
'time of Queen Elizabeth. From this period, Spain gradu. 
ally declined. She lost most of her foreign possessions, 

16. History? What of the Saracens? Ferdinand and Isabella? 





























PORTUGAL. 


and now holds only Cuba, Porto Rico, and a few smaller 
islands in different parts of the world. In 1808, Napoleon 
seized upon the crown, and placed it upon the head of his 
brother The Spaniards, aided by the British under 

Lord Wellington, compelled the French to withdraw, and 
Ferdinand VII. became king in 1814. He died iu 1833, 
and his daughter Isabella, an infant, was proclaimed queen. 
'I’he country was disturbed by civil war, but this ceased in 
1839 ; since which period it has enjoyed tranquillit 3 % 


Lesson XCIX...Portugal 


1. Cliaractcristics. —Portugal is a small kingdom, 
lying between Spain and the Atlantic. 

2. mountains. —The territory is traversed by several 
mountain ranges, of which the Serra Fstrella and the Serra 
MonchiqueivcQ the principal. Their loftiest peaks are 7865 
feet high. Both north and south of these are fine plains 
watered by the rivers Minho, Douro, Tagus, and Guadi- 
ana, which enter the country from Spain, and flow west to 
the Atlantic. There are no lakes, but several salt marshes. 
The coast line, of 500 miles, presents several fine harbors. 

3. Climate, Ac. —The climate is mild and healthy. 
Earthquakes occur in the south, near Lisbon. The soil is 
naturally rich, and the country picturesque. Husbandry is 
conducted in a slovenly manner, and there are few passable 
roads. Grain, hemp, rice, olives, oranges, lemons, and figs 
are cultivated with success. The making of wine is the 
most important branch of industry. The produce of the 
vineyards watered by the Upper Douro, termed port wine, 
is a staple product. There are extensive forests of oak, 
chestnut, and cork. Mules and asses are the chief beasts 
of burden. Cattle, sheep, goats, and hogs are numerous. 
Iron, marble, and salt are the chief mineral products. There 
are a few manufactures of arms, porcelain, wool, cotton, 
jewelry, glass, paper, and silks. The commerce is chiefly 
carried on by the English through Lisbon and Oporto. 

4. Political Divisions. 


ProTincci. 


Minho. 

Douro. 

Tras-os-Montes. 

Beira (Upper and Lower) 

Kstreinadura. 

Aleintejo. 

Algarvcs. 


Population. 

Chief Towns. 

Population. 

466,720 

Braga. 

17,000 

839,908 

Oporto. 

. 80,000 

300,840 

Braganza. 

5,000 

615.238 

Coimbra. 

15,000 

782,875 

Lisbon. 

256,838 

276,590 

Evora. 

15,000 

130,329 

Tavira. 

8,600 


5. Inhabitants. —The Portuguese are of the same 
origin as the Spaniards; but they formed an independent na¬ 
tion and a distinct language. The latter, however, resem¬ 
bles the Spanish, and the people are, in many respects, like 
the Spaniards. The two nations, however, have a national an¬ 
tipathy. The people, generally, are without education : ig¬ 
norance and bigotry prevail. The masses are gentle and do¬ 
mestic. Ceremonious politeness is nearly universal. The coun¬ 
try is overrun with importunate beggars. The females are 
much secluded; when married, they retain their maiden names. 
Bull-fights and the fandango dance are general amusements. 
There is a university at Coimbra, and two or three colleges. 
There is a considerable number of elementary schools, but 
they are in a low state. The chief name in Portuguese liter¬ 
ature is that of Camoens, the poet, author of the Lusiad. 


Exercises on the Map (p. 204 ).—Boundaries of Portugal? 
Extent? Population? Population to square mile? Capital? 
Describe the Tagus. Where is Oporto? St. Ubes? 


207 

6. Government, &c. —The government is a constitu¬ 
tional monarchy. The army consists of 28,000 men ; the 
navy of 36 small vessels. Revenue, $10,000,000; debt, 
$8,000,000. The established religion is Catholic. 

7. Towns.— Lisbon, the capital, is situated at the mouth 
of the Tagus. On approaching it, it appears like a splendid 
city, but the streets are, in fact, narrow and ill-paved, and 
the houses gloomy. Every part is so filthy that the air is 
tilled with the most disgusting effluvia. Various kinds of 
vermin, musquetoes, scolopendra, and red ants torment the 
inhabitants. In 1755, the city was nearly destroj^ed by an 
earthquake, in the midst of which it took fire, presenting a 
scene of indescribable horror. Thirty thousand inhabitants 
perished during this convulsion. The environs of the city 
are exceedingly beautiful. The other principal -towns of 
Portugal are Coimbra, celebrated for its universitj-; Oporto, 
renowned for its trade in wine, oranges, and lemons ; Setu- 
bal, or St. Ubes, Braga, Lamego, Evora, Braganza, and 
Batalka. 

8. History. —The early inhabitants of Portugal w-ere of 
the same stock as those of Spain. The country was con¬ 
sidered by the ancients as a part of Spain. The Cartha¬ 
ginians early traded to the coast, where they planted sever¬ 
al colonies. It was conquered by the Romans about 200 
B. C., who formed a province under the name of Lusitania. 
It remained quietly under the Roman dominion till the fifth 
century, when it was overrun by the Suevi, Visigoths, Ac. 
It was conquered by the Arabs in 715, and afterward fell 
under the dominion of the Spanish kings. In 1139, Al¬ 
phonse I. won a victory over the Moors, and was crowned 
king of Portugal by his soldiers on the field of battle. In 
1348, one-half of the inhabihvnts died of the plague. During 
the fifteenth century, under John I. and his sons, the Por¬ 
tuguese excited the admiration of the world by their military, 
maritime, and commercial achievements. They discovered 
the greater part of the southern and western portions of 
Africa. The Cape of Good Hope was discovered by Diaz, 
in 1483, and in 1498 Vasco de Gama sailed around it with 
a Portuguese fleet, and reached India. Here the Portuguese 
founded several splendid colonies, which brought immense 
riches to the mother-country. Brazil was discovered in 1550. 
At this point, Portugal was one of the richest and most pow¬ 
erful kingdoms in Europe. Owing to the incompetence of 
its sovereigns, it now speedily declined. In 1580, it was 
conquered by Philip H. of Spain, and annexed to that coun¬ 
try. It recovered its independence in 1668, but has since 
continued an inferior kingdom. In 1807, the French in¬ 
vaded the country, and the royal family escaped to Brazil. 
The French were expelled with the aid of the British, after 
a bloody conflict, and the king, Pedro, returned in 1821, 
Brazil becoming independent under his son in 1822. Pedro 
died in 1826, and the crown was usurped by Don Miguel, 
his brother. The Emperor of Brazil, who was now regent 
of Portugal, caused him to be expelled, and placed his 
daughter Maria on the throne, A. D. 1834. The country 
has since continued in rather a disturbed state. The vast 
colonies of Portugal are reduced to some small settlements 
in India, and the Pacific islands of Solor, Timor, and Mido- 
ro, on the coast of Guinea; Senegambia, Cape Verde, and 
Mozambique, with Prince’s and St. Thomas Islands, in the 
West Indies. 


LESSON XCVII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 

3. Climate ? 4. Political Divisions ? 5. Inhabitants ? 6. Govern¬ 
ment ? 7. Towns ? 8. History ? 




































. -'y-'' 

V'LOArxH ^Kremnitzy 
^^aUbxu'g; A jj S T 
c .''" -v? __i ■;;7 ^->'^'t«'' 


^triraa 
^ llroa 


;ri^eV' 


y^'iloHlar* 


TarauLo 


-atama; 


208 ITALY. 


Extent of Italy, 118,390 square miles. Pop., 23,199,572. Pop. to sq. m., 199. 






States. 

I-ombardy and Venice' 

Sardinia . 

Monaco. 

Parma. 

Modena. 

I.ucca . 

States of the Church. • • 

San Marino. 

Naples, or Two Sicilies 
Tuscany. 


Rank. 

Kinj'dom, under Austria 

Ditto. 

Principality. 

Duchy. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Popedom. 

Republic. 

Kingdom. 

Grand Duchy. 


Sq. miles. 

Population. 

Capitals. 

Population 

17,511 

4,803,389 

Milan. 

1.50,000 

28,830 

4,650,368 

Turin. 

124,000 

53 

6.800 

Monaco. 

1,200 

2,180 

496.803 

Parma. 

36,000 

2,129 

51.5.343 

Modena. 

27,000 

410 

168.198 

Lucca. 

24,000 

17,050 

2,908,115 

Rome. 

170,824 

21 

7,600 

San Marino... 

5,000 

41,906 

8,423,316 

Naples. 

350,000 

8,300 

1,786,140 

Florence. 

100,000 


Lesson C... Italy 

1. Characteristics. -This 

country, extending 700 miles from 
Sicily to the Alps, is renowned for its 
beautiful climate, its fine scenery, and 
its remarkable history, 

2. Mountains. —The Rhetian 
Alps occupy the northern and the 
northwestern border. The Apen¬ 
nines extend through the whole pen- 
insula, the loftiest peak being Mount 
Corno, the elevation of which is 9500 
feet. 

3. Rivers. —There are numerous 
rivers, but they are all small except 
the Po, wliich is 500 miles long, and 
drains nearly the w'hole northern part. 

The chief lakes are Matjgiore and Co¬ 
mo ; the former forty miles long and 
two wide, and the latter tliirty-five 
by three wide. 

4. Shores. —The shores, extend¬ 
ing about 2000 miles, present a very 
irregular outline. The peninsula, 
which resembles a boot in form, is 
inclosed by the Mediterranean Sea 
and its branches. The borders of 
this sea have been crowMed with 
towns and cities from a very early 
period. The facility of maritime in¬ 
tercourse between Italy and the coasts 
of the Mediterranean was a great 
cause of the extended dominion and 
immense wealth of ancient Rome. 

5. Islands. — Corsica, belonffinjr 
to France, has been already noticed. 

Elba, belonging to Tuscany, is seven¬ 
teen miles long, with a population of 
18,000. Here Napoleon was exiled 
from May 3d, 1814, to February 
26th, 1815. Sardinia has a mount¬ 
ainous surface, and contains 9000 sq. 
miles. There are several small islands 
along its shores, whose population is 
550,000. It w^as colonized by the 
Carthaginians, but taken by the Ro¬ 
mans, and followed tlieir fortunes. 

It now forms part of the Sardinian 
kingdom, Sicily, 185 miles long, is 
the larjyest and the finest island in 

O ^ , 

the Mediterranean. Mount Etna, 10,872 feet high, is one 
of the most celebrated volcanoes in the world. The island 
is prolific, producing sugar, wheat, grapes, oranges, dates, 
(fee. Sicily was the seat of many flourishing Greek colo¬ 
nies, It fell successively under the Carthaginians, Romans, 
Goths, Greek emperors, Saracens, Normans, French, and 
Spaniards. In 1736, it was annexed to Naples, of which 
it now constitutes a part. 


Exercises on Map .—Boundaries of Italy ? Extent ? Pop¬ 
ulation ? Population to square mile ? Where is the Gulf of Venice I 
Genoa ? Pyrenees mountains ? Island of Corsica ? Sardinia / 
Elba? Lipari Isles? Sicily? Malta? Rome? Naples? Flor¬ 
ence ? Syracuse ? Mount Vesuvius ? Pirection of principal towns 


6. Products, &c. —The vegetable products are ex¬ 
tremely varied. To the north, near the Alps, the climate is 
cool; to the south it is hot. The sirocco and libeccio, burn¬ 
ing winds from Africa, afflict the south in summer. The 
soil is generally fertile. Among the animals are deer, and 
various small quadrupeds. The buffalo is domesticated. The 
viper, asp, scorpion, and tar ntula are common. Fish are 
abundant in the rivers. Sponges and corals are taken along 


from Rome? What object does the peninsula, of Italy resemble? 

Let the pupil be asked questions on the ancient map of Italy, giving 
the ancient names to different places. 

LESSON XCVlil. 1. Characteristics ? 1. Mountains? 3 

Rivers and lakes ? 4. Shores ? 5, Corsica ? Elba ? Sardinia f 




















































































ITALY. 


209 





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i ■ ^/» r'-'j»-'! Simha 













«1 


, ... >'1‘' 

_ - 

Valinii ruxn. 



m%^1 

■.'X-'ii°CrLOl(ma. A 


Consciitini;^ i' 


itstica l?i !0 


SK^ 


aai 


lilybaei 


s^% ‘Wng^f ,iv!i, T 

^rart3iio>’^*7i*aL Ajl? | v.fe,4v»^i.ir’ 



Canlos’ 




ANCIENT ITALY 

so 100 

150 

Statute Miles 



3r. 


l,()l.oii. East irojn. Grep.n-H-ith. l|4 


J8_ 


J 


£niarad t4uar^^ fa Jim O^ye^USui ^ J £i»»uui^ ■*-'y'>OM^-i k r^-narmt Itfiir ■P'lfrriiirtaiii 


• Ancient Ocog^rnphy.—We here 
give an outline of the geography of an¬ 
cient Italy, the ancient and modem maps 
facing each other, so that they may be 
readily compared. 

Ancient Italy comprised three great 
divisions: Cisalpine Gaul, in the north, 
IvALY Proper, in the center, and Mag¬ 
na Gracia, in the south. 

Cisalpine Gaul was divided by the riv¬ 
er Padus, now called the Po, into two 
separate territories, called Gallia Trans- 
padana, and Gallia Cispadana. Venetia 
was in the northeast, and Liguria in 
the southeast, of this region. 

Italy Proper exiendeA southward from 
Gallia Cispadana to the rivers Silaurus 
and Trento, comprehending modern Tus¬ 
cany, the Papal States, and the northern 
part of the kingdom of Naples. The an¬ 
cient divisions were Etruria, Latium, Um¬ 
bria, Picernum, Campania, Samnium, 
and the territory of the Sabines. 

Etruria was a highly civilized country 
at an early date. Many of their sculp¬ 
tured gems, vases, and paintings still ex¬ 
ist. The walls of their ancient cities are 
to be seen at the present day at Cortona, 
Perugia, Fiesole, and other places. 

Latium lay on the western coast of 
Italy, between the Tiber and the Liris. 
In early times it was inhabited by various 
tribes, called Latins, Ausones, Rutuli, 
Sabines, Volsci, &c. 

Campania extended along the western 
coast from the Liris to the Silaurus, and 
comprised the territory around the city 
of Naples. This country has always been 
famous for its beauty and fertility. 

Magna Grcecia was settled at an early 
period by colonies from Greece, who 
brought with them the arts and institu¬ 
tions of that country. It was divided 
into Apulia, Calabria, Lucania, and Brut- 
tium. The most important city in Mag¬ 
na Graecia was Tarentum. 

The ancient names of the gulfs, rivers, 
seas, (fee., will be found in the map. 


the coast of Sicily. Rice, the vine, olive, orange, fig, silk, 
cotton, cattle, goats, and swine, are among the products of 
agriculture. The manufactures include woolens, silk, gauze, 
porcelain, artificial flowers, paper, parchment, and musical 
instruments. Iron, lead, salt, sulphur, and other volcanic 
products abound. The exports embrace silk, wool, oil, 
honey, straw hats, Parmesan cheese, sulphur, &c.; the com¬ 
merce has greatly declined. 

Y. Political Divisions, &c.—These have been given 
in the preceding table. The governments are mostly mo¬ 
narchical. The Roman Catholic religion prevails everywhere. 

8. Iiiliabitants.—There is some diversity among the 

Sicily? Products? Climate? Animals? 1. Political divisions ? 

27 


inhabitants of the different states; but, in general, the 
masses are miserably poor, and the value of human life seems 
reduced to its lowest scale ; yet the people are full of ge¬ 
nius, excelling in the fine arts, and endowed with a capacity 
for vocal music beyond any other nation. The country is 
the depository of the great works of Raphael, Michael An¬ 
gelo, Canova, and other artists, who have filled the world 
with their fame. The fine arts are still cultivated with suc¬ 
cess ; and the common people are judges of music, painting, 
and sculpture. All classes are more fond of cheerful amuse¬ 
ments than thrifty toil. Music, dancing, and conversation 
are leading sources of pleasure. 


8. Inhabitants ? What of Raphael, dec. ? The fine arts, dancing, dec. ? 

































































































ITALY. 


210 


9. Lombardy and Venice —form the northeastern 
part of Italy, and border on Austria, to which country they 
belong. They are fertile regions, and have been called the 
granary of Europe. Venice, the ancient capital, is one of 
the most remarkable cities in Europe, being built on seventy 



Palace in Venice. 


islands, and having five hundred bi idges. It has canals for 
streets, and gondolas, or boats, in lieu of carriages. Milan, 
now the seat of government for the Lombardo-Venetian 
kingdom, is a splendid city, famed for its cathedral. This 
kingdom was formed in 1815, and assigned to Austria by 
the Congress of Vienna. 

10. Sardinia —embraces the large island of Sardinia, 
and the portion of Italy contiguous to Switzerland. The 
adjacent island of Corsica belongs to France. Turin, the 
capital, is a fine city, with a beautiful view of the Alps. 
Genoa, Nice, and Marengo are celebrated places ; the latter 
is noted for one of the most brilliant of Napoleon’s victories, 
1800. The kingdom of Sardinia originated in that of Savoy, 
which was successively enlarged to nearly its present limits 
in the eighteenth century. It was annexed to France in 
1798, but was restored in 1815, and augmented by the ad¬ 
dition of Genoa and the island of Cap raja. 

11. Mouaco —is a small principality under the protec¬ 
tion of Sardinia. Monaco is the capital. 

12. Parma, Modena, and Lucca —are small states, 
called Duchies, south of Lombardy and Venice. 



Jl Church in Florence. 


13. Tuscany —is the most flourishing and best-governed 
part of Italy. It is the ancient Etruria. Its language is 
considered the true Italian. One-sixth part of the territory 


is covered with a marsh, called the Maremma, the air of 
wdiich produces fatal fevers. Tuscany became subject to 
Austria in 1745, and is at present governed by a grandaduke. 
Florence, the capital, named the Beautiful, well deserves 
its title. Leghorn is the chief seaport. Fisa is famed for 
its curious leaning tower. 

14. Tlie Popedom, sometimes called the States of 
■the Church, occupies the center of Italy, and is ruled by the 
pope. Here is Rome, the seat and center of ancient Roman 
power, and the most celebrated spot on the face of the globe. 
It was once twenty-five miles in circumference, and, though 
now reduced, it is still a great city, and interesting on ac¬ 
count of its majestic ruins. It is sometimes called the Eter¬ 
nal City. Here is St. Peter s Church, the noblest of cathe¬ 
drals ; the Vatican, or the pope’s palace ; and a gallery of 
the fine arts, which attracts artists from all parts of the 
world. The present States of the Church were taken by 
Napoleon in 1800, his infant .son bt'ing ci eated king of Rome. 
These were restored by tb.e Congress of Vienna in 1815. 



Vicu} in the Republic of San Marino. 

15. San Marino —is a small republic under the pro¬ 
tection of the pope. It originated in the fifth century in a 
Dalmatian stone-cutter, named Marino, who built a hermit¬ 
age in the neighborhoood, and was regarded as a saint. 
Here a town gradually arose, which became a little repub¬ 
lic, and continued independent, with brief exceptions, to the 
present day. 

16. Tile Kingdom of Naples —embraces the soixth- 
ern part of Italy, and the fine island of Sicily. The climate 
is warm, and tropical fruits abound ; yet the cities are filled 
with beggars. The city of Naples has twenty thousand laz- 
zaroni, or idlers and vagabonds; yet they are a gay and 
cheerful race, though often without a home or other lodg- 
ing than the pavement. Near Naples are the volcano of 
Vesuvius, and the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, two 
cities buried by an eruption eighteen hundred years ago. 
On the island of Sicily is Etna, a volcanic mountain, whose 
base is surrounded with villages and clothed with vineyards. 
Palermo, Messina, and Syracuse are the chief towns in 
Sicily. The Kingdom of Naples was founded several cen¬ 
turies since. In 1806, Napoleon took possession of it. In 
1809, he placed his brother-in-law, Murat, on the throne. 
The king, Ferdinand, was restored in 1814, and Murat, who 
attempted to recover his throne, was defeated and shot in 
1815. 


9. Lombardy and Venice ? 10. Sardinia I 11 Monaco / 12. Parma, 


d'cJ 13. Tuscany ? 14. The Popedom i 15. San Marino f 16. Naples f 


















































ITALY. 


211 


16. Ttlalta —is a famous island in the Mediterranean Sea. 
Tliis place is small, but renowned in history. It lies south 
of Sicily, and has 103,247 inhabitants, including the little 
contiguous island of Gozzo. Valetta, the capital, has 
32,000 people. The adventures of Sf. Paul in Malta, for¬ 
merly Melita, are recorded in the 28th chapter of Acts. 



view of Valetta^ Capital of Malta. 


For a long time, Malta belonged to the Romans, but, on 
the decline of their empire, it was captured by the Goths, 
and afterward by the Saracens. In 1525, Charles Y. 
gave this island to the Knights of Malta, who immedi¬ 
ately began the work of fortifying it. This, in process of 
time, they accomplished so effectually, as to make their 
chief city one of the strongest places in the world. Such 
was its strength, that when Bonaparte, in 1798, on his way 
to invade Egypt, summoned the city of Valetta to surrender, 
it might have defied all enemies. The Grand Master, Hom- 
pesch, however, either from treachery or cowardice, made 
no resistance. Bonaparte left a garrison in Malta; but 
shortly after, the British commenced a blockade, and, after 
two years, the Maltese were starved into a surrender, Sep¬ 
tember 4, 1800. The island has since continued under the 
British government, and forms, next to Gibraltar, the most 
powerful of the foreign naval stations of that empire. The 
Knights of Malta, above alluded to, have borne different 
names in different periods of history—as, i\\& Hospitalers of 
St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Rhodes, &c. They are 
best known by the name which they obtained from their 
long residence in Malta. These heights constituted a mili¬ 
tary religious order, wliich originated in the Holy Land. 
Previous to the Crusades, some Neapolitan merchants had 
founded a church at Jemsalem, to which were attached a 
monastery and hospital. Godfrey of Bouillon, after the 
conquest of the city by the Christians, endowed this hospi¬ 
tal with some demesnes ; and this liberality being imitated 
by others, it became a wealthy establishment. A body of 
Hospitalers wms organized here, with the name of the 
Brothers of St. John of Jerusalem. Their habit w'as black, 
and they bore on their breast a white cross. The object of 
the institution was the entertainment of poor pilgrims; but 
the first Grand Master of the Order, finding the revenue ex¬ 
ceed the demands for this purpose, resplved to employ the 
surplus in wars against the infidels. The knights of the 
order accordinirlv distinguished themselves in the armies of 

16. Malta ? Knights of St. John ? llieir history / What of their 


the Crusaders. After the loss of Jerusalem, they retired 
first to Margath, and then to Acre, which place they de¬ 
fended vigorously, to the last moment that the Christians 
maintained their footing in the Holy Land. When Pales¬ 
tine was irretrievably lost, they withdrew to Cyprus, where 
they remained for eighteen years. Having driven the Sara¬ 
cens from the island of Rhodes, they removed thither in 
1308, and took the name of Knights of Rhodes. The Greek 
emperor confirmed them in possession of this place, and 
they defended themselves with success from the attacks of 
the Saracens. The Turks, under Mohammed IL, besieged 
Rhodes for three months, in 1480, but were repelled by 
the skill and bravery of the defenders, and they retained 
possession of the island for more than two centuries ; but, 
in the year 1522, Solyman IL attacked them with an army 
of 300,000 men, and, after an unavailing defence, tliey were 
obliged to surrender. In 1525, the Emperor Charles V. 
put them in possession of Malta, where they remained for 
nearly three centuries, when their order was abolished. 

17. History of Italy. —We have already given the 
history of Rome ; we now proceed to give a brief sketch of 
the history of Italy generally. The origin of its first inhab¬ 
itants we do not know with certainty. They are supposed 
to have been Pelasgians, who pursued agriculture, and 
built towns with Cyclopian walls of hammered stone. The 
inhabitants of the mountains, after a long period, descended 
and conquered them. The Greeks sent colonies thither, 
until the country was at last occupied by various tribes, 
among whom the Etruscans made the earliest advances in 
the arts. At last, the city of Rome was built, and became 
the seat and center of an empire, which conquered nearly the 
whole civilized world. The map at page 212 will show the 
countries included in the empire of Augustus, and the map 
at page 213 will show the same countries, with their modern 
names, and present divisions. In religion, the ancient Ro¬ 
mans followed the Greek mythology, adding some names to 
the long catalogue of Grecian gods and goddesses. In 
their literature, architecture, painting, and sculpture, the 
Romans also followed the Greeks. Their body of laws con¬ 
stitute a profound system, which has guided the legislation 
of the civilized world, in modern times. The leading char¬ 
acteristic of the ancient Romans was an intense nationality, 
much like that of the English at the present day. Their 
love and appreciation of Rome involved contempt of,all 
other nations. The policy of the state, though marked with 
grandeur of conception, led to the conquest and plunder of 
other countries, without scruple or remorse, for the aggran¬ 
dizement of Rome. Even Roman liberty regarded only the 
freedom of Roman citizens, witli slavery for the rest of man¬ 
kind. It was this selfish, grasping spirit which made her 
the mistress of the civilized world, in her day of power, but 
which brought upon her the.vengeance of heaven and earth, 
in the time of her adversity. Thus, she became the prey of 
barbarians in the fifth century; and Italy, her central ter¬ 
ritory, was divided up among different tribes of barbarians. 
Odoacer, who had become king of Italy in 470, was defeated 
and killed in battle by Theodoric, a leader of the Ostro¬ 
goths, who succeeded him upon the throne. He was a wise 
king, and, during his reign of thirty-five years, tlie Italians 
enjoyed a period of prosperity. About 535, Italy came 
under the domi»ion of the Byzantine emperor. After a few 
years, the Lomhtirds, a German tribe, made themselves 
masters of Northern Italy, and captured Ravenna, whicL 

defense of Rhodes I 17. History of Italy ? Odoacer? Theodorict 















































^V)X» W C14 


'Sfrasus^^y':^. 


LlIAlTV^ 


' (E S 

p^%tHVACj 

iBoanAi,*^^ 


J^vVvT 

fr^-% 


'usctK^I 

I Spa^$s 

^^fesaini 




was then the capital. Charlemagne conquered the Lom¬ 
bards, and annexed all Italy to his empire. In 888, Italy 
was detached, and became a separate kingdom. After this, 
the cities and states began to form themselves into repub¬ 
lics, each governed by a duke and senators. In 961, the 
German emperor was acknowledged sovereign of Italy, the 


Oervian Erhperors. 

m 

different governments taking an oath of allegiance to him. 
The most opulent cities at this time were Venice, Genoa, and 

Frederic Barharossa? Guelphs and Ghibellincs? Council of 


Pisa, all of which had a number of small states depending 
on them, belonging to different counts, marquises, and lords 
of castles. Every city was now encompassed by a wall, 
and had its own military force. Many of the noblemen, 
also, had their own separate armies. In the twelfth cen¬ 
tury, sentiments of republican freedom had sprung up 
among the different states, and a general desire prevailed to 
throw off the German supremacy. In 1152, Frederic Bar- 
harossa became emperor of Germany. He spent thirty- 
three years in desolating wars, for the purpose of suppress¬ 
ing this spirit of revolt, in which he was but partially suc¬ 
cessful. About this time two parties, called Guelphs and 
Ghihellines, arose, and, for a long period, involved the lead¬ 
ing Italian States in bloody civil wars. In the fourteenth 
century, there were two popes—one at Rome, and the 
other at Avignon, in France; and finally, a third was 
elected. These were all set aside by the Council of Con¬ 
stance, in 1417, and a new pope established. Venice, 
founded by a few fishermen upon the marshes of the Adii- 
atic, in the fifth century, became a powerful republic in the 
Middle Ages. The government was originally democratic, 
but it passed into the hands of the aristocracy, the chief 
officer being called Doge, or Duke. Pope Alexander III. 
having made a formal grant of the Adriatic to Venice, the 
Doge was accustomed to go annually in a vessel, and throw 
a ring into the sea, with vast pomp and parade. This cere¬ 
mony was called the Marriage of the Adriatic. Venice be¬ 
came the commercial rival of Genoa and Pisa, and, for a 
long period, continued to be the wealthiest and most power¬ 
ful state in Christendom. At the commencement of the 


Constance? What of Venice? The marriage of the Adriatic? j 


212 


ITALY. 


ROMAN EMPIRE. 


Xnn.'nast frTn^^Grccnwich. 











































































ITALY. 


213 



fifteenth century, she had triumphed over Genoa, and the 
leading cities of Italy were subject to her sway. Her fleets 
held undisputed dominion in the Mediterranean. Toward 
the close of the fifteenth century, the power of Venice de¬ 
clined. The Portuguese took away her rich commerce 



The Doge of Venice Marrying the Adriatic. 


with India. In 1453, the Turks captured Constantinople, 
and deprived her of some of her most flourishing colonies. 
Thus Venice sunk into insignificance; and in 1797, after 
Napoleon’s conquest of Italy, she formed a portion of the 
Cualpine Republic. She was restored to Austria in 1815. 
The history of the other Italian States need not be given in 
detail. The recent events in this country are interesting. 

The Cisalpine Republic ? Revolution of 1848 1 Its effects in Rahj ? 


Immediately after the French Revolution of February. 1848, 
all Italy was thrown into a revolutionary ferment. Venice 
rebelled against Austria ; the Duke of Tuscany fled before 
an insurrection ; and the King of Naples wsis forced by the 
people to grant them a charter. The King of Sardinia took 
the popular side, and led his forces against the Austrians, 
who were threatening the Lombardo-Venetian territories. 
Pope Pius IX. fled to Naples for refuge from insurrection, 
and a republic was established at Rome. At this critical 
moment, the French Republic sent a large army against its 
sister republic of Rome. This was crushed, and the pope 
restored. The Austrians prevailed in Northern Italy. The 
revolution was checked ; the kings and dukes repudiated 
the charters they had granted in the hour of panic, and re¬ 
sumed their ancient tyrannies. Charles Albert, king of Sar¬ 
dinia, was beaten, and obliged to resign his crown to his 
son. The Italians, though now sunk in imbecility, are a 
people of the highest order of genius. Michael Angelo, 
Raphael, and others, still remain without a rival in paint¬ 
ing. Dante, Petrarch, &c., in the thirteenth and fourteenth 
centuries, were the chief instruments in rousing the torpid 
world from the slumber of the Dark Ages, to an era of light 
and civilization. At the present day, the Italians surpass 
every other nation in painting, sculpture, and music. The 
Italian language, composed of the Latin and Gothic lan¬ 
guages, is unrivaled for melody. It is also the depository 
of a great mass of valuable literature and science. The fine 
arts have attained a splendor here quite unrivaled in any 
modern country, and have ever flourished in that region, as 
their chosen and peculiar soil. 

Pius IX. ? His restoration ^ Charles Albert ? The fine arts ? 





























































































CO 

QO 


214 

Lesson CL..Greece. 

1. Characteristics.— Greece, like Italy, 
is chiefly a peninsula, projecting about 300 
miles into the Mediterranean, with a mountain¬ 
ous surface, yet it is celebrated for its fine climate 
and interesting history. 

2. Mountains, &c. —The principal chain 
is that of Findus; the highest peak is 8239 
feet high. The center of the Morea forms an 
elevated table-land, inclosed by three mountain 
ranges. The coasts are elevated, irregular, and 
deeply indented. The Morea consists of a pen¬ 
insula nearly separated from the main-land by 
the gulfs of Lepanto and uFJfflna. There are 
numerous small streams, which are mostly rapid, 
and unfit for navigation. The only extensive 
lake is Topolais, between Thebes and Boeotia. 

The numerous islands will be seen by the 
maps hereto annexed. 

3. Climate, Products, dec. —The climate 
is temperate, and generally healthy. The olive, 
fig, currant-grape, vine, melon, rice, cotton, 
orange, date, citron, and pomegranate ai'e cul¬ 
tivated. The mountain hights are covered with 
pine forests. There are numerous minerals, but 
the mines are little wroufjht. Marble is abund- 
ant. Caverns, minerals, and gaseous springs 
are common. Among the wild animals are 
the wolf, jackal, lynx, badger, bear, fox, deer, roebuck, 
wild boar, hare, &c. Among the birds are the vulture, 
owl, partridge, quail, woodcock, &c. The bustard and 
pheasant are common. The coasts and lakes abound with 
water-fowl. The fisheries are an important branch of indus¬ 
try. Leeches are a source of revenue. The principal do¬ 
mestic animals are sheep and goats. Bees are extensively 
reared. The manufactures are mostly domestic, comprising 
silks, cottons, woolens, pottery, leather, beet-sugar, and salt. 
Commerce is extensive, and is the chief resource of the in¬ 
habitants. 

4. Scenery, Inhabitants, &c. — Greece has ever 
been celebrated for the picturesque beauty of its landscapes, 
and its sublime mountains, fancied, by the ancient inhabit¬ 
ants, to be the abodes of the gods. Its valleys, assigned to 
the nymphs and naiads of the forest and the wave, its 
charming bays, its crystal rivers, and its beautiful atmos¬ 
phere, combined to make it the chosen seat of poetry and art 
in ancient times, and still render it an object of interest to 
the most indifferent observer. The present inhabitants of 
this renowned country are, like their famous ancestors, 
swarthy in complexion, with black eyes and black hair. 
They are, how^ever, a very handsome race, quick-minded, 
and sagacious. Tliey chiefly belong to the Greek Church, 
which, in many respects, resembles the Roman Catholic. 

5. Divisions.— The present divisions of Greece are as 
follows : the Morea, tlie peninsula part, anciently called 
Peloponnesus ; the northern portion is the ancient Hellas, 
now generally called Lioadia ; the numerous and beautiful 
islands constitute a third division. 

6. Tlie Ionian Republic embraces seven islands on 
the w'estern coast of Greece. These are Corfu, Paxo, St. 


GREECE. 


Independence of Modern Greece, 1832 A. D. 













XVin .ijvadia _ 

Tlicl)es« 


^.'tAndros 
-r’Curps 


Tlic.riw' . ^ , 

Sq’'p.bftn 1’aj.^'s^ „ 



ts» 

ss 


es3 


Extent, 10,200 sq. m.—Pop., 856,170.—Pop. to sq. ni., 84. 


Maura, Ithaca, Cephalonia, Zante, and Cerie/o. The peo¬ 
ple are Greeks and Italians, and are neaily tw'o hundred 
thousand in number. The republic is under the protection 
of Great Britain, whose sovereign appoints the chief offi¬ 
cers. Zante is the largest town, and Corfu is the capital. 
The pursuits of the people are commercial. 

7. Ancient Ocog:rnpliy.— We shall now give a 
sketch of the ancient geography of Greece, in connection 
with modern geography. By referring to the above map, 
and that of Ancient Greece, on the opposite page, the 
reader will have a distinct view of the whole subject. 

8. Countries.— Ancient Greece, in its widest extent, 
embraced not only the territory of Modern Greece, but 
the northern portion of the peninsula, as well as territory 
still further north. Its utmost length, including Macedonia, 
was about four hundred miles, and its extent about sixty 
thousand square miles. The southern part of the peninsula, 
now styled the Morea, and anciently Peloponnesus, was 
about equal in extent to Massachusetts. It included several 
small states, as Laconia, of which Sparta w^as the capital; 
Argolis, Achaia, Arcadia, Elis, and Messenia. 
portion, now 
whole extent 

Rhode Island. Its chief divisions were the states of Acar- 
nania, .i^tolia, Doris, Locris, Phocis, Boeotia, Attica, and 
Megaris. The chief cities w'ere Athens, in Attica, and 
Thebes, in Boeotia. The northern portion of Greece, and 
lying on the Adriatic, now called Albania, was formerly 
named Epirus. The contiguous territory of Thessaly is 
still known by the same name. In this portion Avas the 
city of Larissa. Here also is Mount Olympus, the fancied 
abode of the mythologic Jove, and the Vale of Tempe, cele- 


The middle 
called Livadia, was anciently Hellas. Its 
is about equal (o that of Connecticut and 


Exercises on the Map of Greece.— Boundaries? Extent? LESSON Cl. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains, dec. ? 3. Cli- 
Populalion ? Population to the square mile, d:c. ? What are the mate, products, dec. ? 4. Scenery, Inhabitants, dec. ? 5. Dioisions ? 

divisioris of Greece ? Compare the modern with the ancient maps. 1 6. The Ionian Republic ? 8. Put various questions on eounlrie.* 






















































































































21G 


GREECE. 


brated in song as one of the most lovely spots to be found 
in the world. Macedonia extended from Thrace to the 
Ionian Sea, comprising a number of provinces. On the 
north lay Mount Hoemus, the present Balkan. Pella was 
the capital. To the east of Macedon was Thrace, these 
two being now called Roumelia. Thrace was not properly a 
portion of Greece, and was originally occupied by a distinct 
nation ; yet it was conquered by Philip of Macedonia, and con¬ 
stituted a portion of the empire of his son Alexander. Many 
individuals, also, who settled in Gl'cece, and became con¬ 
nected with its fame, were of Thracian birth. The chief 
city was Brjzantimn, near Constantinople. Mcesia, extend¬ 
ing from Macedon to the Danube, on the north ; Dacia, 
south of the Carpathian Mountains; and Pannonia, along 
the southern bank of the Danube, were all remote countries 
inhabited by savages, and scarcely known to the more an¬ 
cient Greeks. 

9. Islands. —On the west of Greece is the Ionian Sea, 


in which are the islands now forming the Ionian Republic : 


M xlom X&ines. 

An n in sq. m. 

Populjition. 

Ancieiit Names. 

Present CspitAls. 

Population. 

Corlii. 

007 

..66.000.... 



...16,000 

PllXO.. 

.... 26. 




... 2,400 

St. .Maura... 

....180. 




.... 6.000 

Tliuaki. 

.... 44. 

.. 9.700..,. 

_Ithaca. 


... 4.000 

CcpbalDiiia . 

....34:i. 



-.Argostoli. 


Zaiitc. 

....136. 




Cerigo. 

....116. 

.. 8,000.... 


-Kapsali .. 

... 5,(MX) 


East of Greece is the .^Egean Sea, now called the Archi¬ 
pelago, and studded with numerous islands. They are gen¬ 
erally fertile and beautiful. Forty of these are deemed con¬ 
siderable. The following table exhibits the most important: 

Modern Names. Ancient Names. Present Capitals. 

Nfj?ropont.Kubcea.Nesropont. 

Stalaiuiue.Lemnos.Lemnos. 

Hydra.Hydrea.Hydra. 

I’aros.Paros. 

Antiparos.Olearos. 

Naxia.Naxos.Naxos. 

Delos.Delos.Delos. 

Santorin.Thera. 

Milo.Melos. 

Argentera.Cimolas. 

Salamis.Salamis. 

Syra.Syros... 

Andros.Andros. 

Tine, or Tinos.Tenos. 


To the south of these is Crete, now Candia, the largest 
island in the Mediterranean, and conspicuous in history. At 
present it is subject to Turkey. Along the coast of Asia 
Minor are Cyprus, Rhodes, Cos, Samos, Chios, &c. 


Modern Names. Ancient Names. Present Capitals. 

Tenedos.Tenedos. 

Mityleue'.Lesbos. 

Chios...Scio. 

Samos.Samos. 

Patmos.Palino. 

Rhodes..Rhodes. 

Cyprus.Cyprus.Cyprus. 


All in this list properly belong to Asia. Their history is, 
however, intimately connected with Greece, as there were 
Greek colonies here, as well as at various points along the 
coast of Asia Minor. 

10. Mountains, Rivers, &c. —Although the terri¬ 
tory of Greece was small—less, in its widest extent, than 
one of our larger states—it is supposed to have had a 
population of five or six millions in its most flourishing 
period—that is, in the time of Pericles, about 450 B. C. 
Its mountains, its rivers, its valleys, its islands, are all dimin¬ 
utive, in comparison with others that are found in different 
parts of the Avorld ; yet, associated with the name and fame 
of the ancient Gi'eeks, they are invested with an interest 
that can never die. Besides these natural objects, which 
possess a claim upon the sympathies of every intelligent 
mind, there are some vestiges of ancient art which still be¬ 
speak the genius of their founders, such as the ruins of the 
temples of Theseus and Minerva, at Athens, &c. 

11. History.— We have already given a rapid historical 
sketch of Greece. The most remarkable state in that re¬ 
nowned country was Attica, of which Athens was the capi¬ 
tal. This city was composed of two parts—the Acropolis, 
or Upper City, built on a rocky eminence, including the cita¬ 
del, and the Lower City, built on the plain below. On the 
Acropolis were a number of magnificent buildings. One of 
the most splendid was the Temple of Afinerva. This was 
burned by the Persians when they overran Greece, 480 
B. C., though their power was effectually broken by the 
famous battle of Salamis, which immediately followed. 


9. Islands I Repeat the ancient and modern names. 10. Mount¬ 


ains, dx. ? 11. History ? Temple of Minerva ? Battle of Salamis ? 


Burning of Athens by the Persians, 480 B. 0. 




















































































































TURKEY I 

About the year 445, Athens having been rebuilt, Pericles 
caused the Parthenon to be restored. Its majestic and 
beautiful ruins remain to the present day, and form an ob¬ 
ject of the highest interest to the beholder. Athens con¬ 
tinued, for several centuries, to be the center of art, philos¬ 
ophy, learning, and refinement. To this place, the princi¬ 
pal philosophers, poets, orators, &c., were drawn. Here 
Socrates, Plato, Diogenes, Zeno, and others, spent the 
greater part of their lives. The population of Athens, in¬ 
cluding the little state of Attica, was about half a million, 
three-fourths of whom were slaves. Sparta was the capi¬ 
tal of Lacedaemon. The people here despised the elegance, 
vivacity, and social refinement of the Athenians, and shaped 
their institutions exclusively with a view to make good sol¬ 
diers. They became veiy powerful as a military state, but 
the people, generally, were hard, barbarous, and selfish. 
Individual liberty was completely surrendered to the state. 
While the Athenians have never ceased to instruct mankind 
by tlieir genius, as displayed in arts, science, and philoso¬ 
phy, Sparta has left almost nothing but the record of its 
stern acliievements in war. After the conquest of Greece 
by the Romans, in 146 B. C., it continued under the do¬ 
minion of that empire for several centuries. In 328 A. D., 
the Emperor Constantine transferred the seat of empire to the 
ancient *^»vn of Byzantium, in Thrace, where he had built 
a new city, by the name of Constantinople. From the 
division of the Roman Empire, 395, Constantinople con¬ 
tinued to be the capital of the Eastern Empire, which after¬ 
ward received the name of the Greek or Byzantine Empire. 
While the Western Empire w’as overthrown in 476, the 
Eastern continued for nearly a thousand years later. At 
first, it embraced Greece, Macedonia, and Thrace in Europe, 
the greater part of Western Asia, Egypt, and Northern 
Africa. The capital was ravaged by the Crusaders, and, 
for a time, the empire passed into the hands of a new line 
of sovereigns. During this period, which continued for 
fifty-six years, it is called the Latin Empire. Michael 
Palocoloyus recovered the throne in 1260. Toward the 
close of the fourteenth century, the Turks had gained pos¬ 
session of Egypt, and the greater part of Asia Minor. The 
Sultan Amurath captured Adrianople, 1366, and gained a 
permanent footing in Eui ope. The Greek Empire was now al¬ 
most reduced to the single city of Constantinople. In 1453, 
the celebrated Mohammed II. captured that city by assault, 
after a long and vigorous siege. Thus fell the Greek Em¬ 
pire ; and upon its ruins arose the Ottoman Empire, occu¬ 
pying, for about four centuries, nearly the same territories 
in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as those which had constituted 
the Byzantine kingdom. The Turks speedily became for¬ 
midable to their northern neighbors. They conquered some 
portions of the German Empire, and, under Solyman the 
Magnificent, laid siege to Vienna in 1529. He was, how¬ 
ever, compelled to retire, with the loss of 80,000 men. 
For a long period, the Ottoman Empire continued to be dis¬ 
tinguished for wealth, intelligence, enterprise, and military 
power. Many of the master-spirits of Christendom were 
drawn into its army and navy, and contributed to^increase 
its energy and power. Toward the close of the seventeenth 
century, it began to decline, and finally sunk into indolence 
and imbecility. Within the last thirty years, it has lost 
Egypt and the Barbary States. In 1821, the Greeks, who 
had been under the harsh dominion of the Turks for four 

N EUROPE. 217 

hundred years, rose in rebellion, and, after a protracted 
struggle, estabhshed their independence. In October, 1827, 
a Turkish fleet of one hundred sail was completely destroyed 
by the allied British and French squadron, in the battle of 
Navarino. From this fatal blow the Ottoman Empire has 
not yet recovered. In 1832, Greece was acknowledged as 
an*independent kingdom; Otho, a Bavarian prince, being 
selected as king. By the constitution, promulgated in 

1844, the government consists of a king, senate, and house 
of representatives. Since this period, Greece seems to 
have gradually risen from the depression occasioned by 
long ages of ignominious slavery. | 

• 

Lesson ClI...Turkey in Europe. 

1. Characteristics. —This country is remarkable as 
l^mg the seat and center of the Ottoman Empire. 

2. Mountains, &c. —Most of tUe surface is an undu¬ 
lating region of hills and valleys, with mountains and table¬ 
lands of little elevation. It is crossed in the center, nearly 
from east to west, by the Balkan Range, the ancient Hoe- 
mus. To the north are the Carpathians, extending into 
Hungary; the Pindus Range extends southward into 
Greece. It is watered by numerous rivers, the chief of 
which is the Danube. 

3. Climate, &c. —The climate at the north is severe, 
snow lying upon the higher mountains the greater part of 
the )’^ear. South of the Balkan, the climate is delicious. 
Earthquakes and destructive storms occur in some parts. A 
large portion of the territory is covered with forests of firs 
and deciduous trees. The olive, vine, rice, cotton, maize and 
other grains, are the products of agriculture. The bear, 
wolf, wild boar, chamois, and stag are common in the 
forests. The domestic animals comprise the sheep, a small 
breed of horses, the mule, ass, domesticated buffalo, hog, 

&c. Fish abound in the rivers, and leeches in the marshes. 

There are mines of iron, lead, salt, and marble ; but none i 

are worked to advantage. The manufactures are almost 
entirely domestic—comprising saddles, fire-arms, swords, 
coarse woolens, linen and cotton spinning, copper and tin 
utensils, rich carpets, tanneries, and embroideries. Printing 
exists only at Constantinople and four other places. The 
commerce is chiefly in the hands of the Greeks, Armenians, 
and Jews. 

4. Political Divisions. —The following are the di¬ 
visions of Turkey in Europe : 

Prorinces. Chief Cities. 

Roumelia. ( including the ancient ) 

Macedonia . \ Thrace, Macedon, i 

Thessaly. ( and Thessaly. ) J^nssa. 

Albania. | including Epirus.... | 

Bosnia, Croatia, and Hertzek, or Hertsegovia . Seraievo, Travnik, 

Bulgaria.Nicopolis, Silistria. 

Candia, or Crete (island).Candia. 

Besides these, there are the three provinces of Moldavia, 
Wallachia, and Servia, north of the Danube, of which 

Jassy, Bucharest, and Belgrade are the capitals. These 
are tributary to the Porte, but are otherwise independent, 
except that Russia exercises over them a controlling influ¬ 
ence. The people are of various races. Christianity ia 
the leading religion. The inhabitants are in a rude state, 
but it is said they are improving. 

5. Government, &c.—The emperor, who is styled 

! Exercises on the Map (p. 220).— Boundaries of Turkey? 

i Describe the Balkan Mountains. The Danube. Where is Constan- 

j 28 

tinople? Adrianople? Jassy? Salonica? Mount Olympus? 
LESSON CH. L Characteristics of Turkey? 2. Mount- 

1 































ains, dtc. f 3. Climate, dtc. ? 4. Divisions ? 5. Government, dec. F 


6. Chief towns F 7. History F What of Zingis Khan F Bajazet f 


Bajazet before Tamerlane, 


Sultan, or Grand Seignior, is regarded as absolute sovereign 
of the state, as well as supreme pontiff. His j)ower ex¬ 
tends not only to European, but to Asiatic Turkey ; the 
latter containing a territory more than twice as large as the 
former, and about an equal population. The provinces are 
placed under pashas, or governors, whose administration is 
capricious and oppressive. About one-third of the popula¬ 
tion consists of Turks ; the rest are Albanians, Jews, Bohe¬ 
mians, Gipsies, Moldavians, &c. The Christians are fully 
equal to the Turks in number. In religion, the Turks are 
Mohammedans, and formerly were very bigoted, regarding 
Christians, especially, with great contempt. Of late years, 
they have become more tolerant. The present Sultan ap¬ 
pears to be a man of liberal views and enlightened policy. 
He has introduced European tactic^ into his army and 
navy. The Turks are an Asiatic people, and, in most re¬ 
spects, retain Asiatic customs. The turban is generally 
worn upon the head by both sexes ; though a kind of cap, 
with a large silk tassel, called a JKez, lias partially taken its 
place with the men, in many of the larger towns. The 
loose robe and wide trowsers have, to some extent, given 
place to the surtout and pantaloons. The richer Turks 
have several wives. Women generally are kept in a state 
of seclusion. The people eat with their fingers; pray five 
times a day to Mohammed ; wear turbans on the head, and 
flowing robes on the body ; sit cross-legged on mats and 
cushions ; have long, flowing beards; and smoke opium. 

6. Chief Towns.— Constantinople, the capital, is one 
of the largest cities of Europe. Its situation is beautiful, 
and its external aspect imposing ; yet it has numerous 
crooked streets, and gloomy dwellings of wood. There 
are three hundred mosques, or places of Mohammedan 
worehip. The seraglio, or palace, is a large collection of 
buildings, where the sultan lives in vast pomp and luxury. 
Here he has several hundred wives, kept secluded, accord¬ 
ing to the custom of the country, in a place called a harem. 
Adrianople is the second city in European Turkey. 

7. History.'—The Ottomans, or Turks, originated in 
Tartary, in the vicinity of the Caspian Sea. Some tribes 


of the same race still exist in that country. Though re¬ 
sembling the Tartars, and included with them, by the 
ancients, under the general name of Scythians, they are a 
distinct people. In the eleventh century, Seljuk, chief of 
a Turkish tribe, led his followers southward, and they after¬ 
ward made a settlement in Persia, which is known in his¬ 
tory as the Seljukian Empire. This flourished for 150 
years, and was broken up by Zingis Khan, the terrible 
Mongol conqueror, A. D. 1250. A wandering band of 
these Turks took refuge in Armenia. Othman, or Osman, 
one of the chiefs of these, established himself at Iconium, 
in Asia Minor, and is regarded as the founder of the Otto¬ 
man Empire, which takes its name from him. Osman II., 
who came to the throne in 1326, first took the title of 
Sultan. He extended his territories in Asia Minor, then 
belonging to the Byzantine Empire. He captured Prusa, i 
and made it his capital, under the title of Brusa. Orchan, 
his successor, crossed the Hellespont in 1358, and captured 
Gallipoli. He founded the famous body-guard of jani¬ 
zaries, mostly composed of Greek captives taken in war. 
Amurath I. succeeded his father, Orchan, and immediately 
ov'erran the whole of Thrace, from the Hellespont to 
Mount Hoemus, and fixed the seat of the Turkish govern¬ 
ment at Adrianople. He conquered the greater part of 
Greece, and made formidable attacks upon Hungary and 
Constantinople. He was succeeded by his son Bajazet, in 
1387. This chief obtained the name of Ilderim, or light- | 
ning, from the rapidity of his martial movements. In 
1407, he was defeated, at Galatia, in Asia Minor, by the 
celebrated Tamerlane. He was captured, and it is said 
that he died in an iron cage, in which he was confined. 
Several able sultans now succeeded. The rich and beauti¬ 
ful territories of the Saracens, consisting of Syria, Mesopo¬ 
tamia, Egypt, and Northern Africa, had successively fallen 
under the conquering sway of the Turks. In 1451, Mo¬ 
hammed II., the most distinguished of the Ottoman sover¬ 
eigns, came to the throne. In 1453, he captured Con¬ 
stantinople, the hist remnant of the Byzantine Empire. 
i^See History of Greece, and Turkey in Asia.) 


I 

I 218 


jrilXBY IN EC 110PE. 
























EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA. 


210 


I 


I 


I 


I 


Lesson Cl I {...Empire of Austria. 


1. Clmracteristics. —This kingdom, comprising sev¬ 

eral distinct nations, is one of the most extensive and pop¬ 
ulous in Europe. • 

2. Divisions. —The following table embraces the di¬ 
visions of the Austrian empire :— 


Provinceo. 


Austria, (German). 

Tyrol, (do.). 

siy:■i;^ (do.). 

Illyria, (Slavonian). 

Jloliemia, (do.). 

Moravia and Silesia, (do.). 

Dalmatia, (do.) . 

Hungary, fMagyar,) with Slavo¬ 
nia and Croatia. 

Transylvania, (Slavonian). 

Military Frontier, (do.).. 

(Jalicia and Rukovina, (Polish).. 
Lombiirdo-Venetian,(Italian) ... 


Population. 

Capitals. 

Population 

2,277.524 

Vienna. 

410,947 

a57.568 

Innspruck . 

12,800 

1,24(1,7:10 

Trieste. 

40,000 

4.279.180 

Prague. 

68,695 

2,22:1,729 


44,000 

6,850 

'401,541 

Zara. 

12.096,202 

Pesth. 

60,000 

2.108,406 

1,220,503 

Hermanstadt. 

17,000 

4,910,629 

Lemberg. 

75,000 

4,803,289 

Venice. 

110,000 


The latter kingdom has been already described under Italy, 
and its population is tliere included. 

3. Austria Proper —part of the ancient Noricum, is 
an archdi^iy and the seat and center of the Austrian em¬ 
pire. It IS divided into Upper and Lower Austria. Its 
southern border is skirted by a branch of the Alps, and is 
the country traversed from west to east by the Danube. 
It has numerous mountain lakes, and highly picturesque 
scenery. It is fertile, and admirably cultivated, though there 
are extensive forests. Grapes are produced, and twenty-five 
million gallons of wine, annually. Gold, silveT, lead, iron, 
arsenic, alum, Ac., are found. The weaving and spinning 
of flax, cotton, and wool are the main branches of manufac¬ 
turing industry. Vienna, the capital, is one of the most 
splendid cities in Europe. Here the emperor resides. The 
government of the Austrian empire, as a monarchy, is nearly 
absolute, there being local governments, however, in the 
several divisions. The army of the empire is about 400,000 
men. The fortifications are very numerous. The navy com¬ 
prises 05 vessels, mostly small. The annual revenue is 
$70,000,000. The public debt is $475,000,000. The his¬ 
tory of Austria proper goes back to the time of Charlemagne, 
who conquered it in 791. In 1156, it became a duchy. Ro- 
dolph of Hapsburg was the founder of its subsequent great¬ 
ness. He was elected emperor of Germany in 1272, and 
from this time, the house of Austria became prominent in 
Europe. In 1516, the Austrian empire, under Charles V., 
surpassed any other European power that had existed since 
the days of Charlemagne. On the death of Charles, his 
empire was dismembered. The Emperor of Austria, how¬ 
ever, was generally Emperor of Germany, till the Ger¬ 
man empire was overthrown by Napoleon, in 1806. Dur¬ 
ing the subsequent wars with the French, Austria suffered 
severely ; but in 1815 her territory wiis restored. In 1848, 
extensive insurrections broke out in northern Italy and Hun¬ 
gary, but they were suppressed in 1849. 

4. Tlic Tjrol —part of the ancient Rhoetia, is a small 
country among the etustern Alps. It is mountainous, with 
numerous lakes, and greatly resembles Switzerland. The 
several grains are cultivated. Wine and silk are produced 
.in the south. Cattle form the chief wealth of the rural in¬ 
habitants. Most parts of Europe are supplied with cana¬ 


ries and other singing birds from the valley of the Inn. Wolves, 
bears, wild-boars, marmots, chamois, &c., inhabit the mount¬ 
ain districts. Coal, iron, and salt are the principaljninerals. 
The manufactures are considerable. The climate is cold at 
the north, and mild at the south, especially in the valleys. 
The people are hardy and brave, with great simplicity of 
character. They are devout Catholics, but not intolerant. 
They have a local government, which, however, is subser¬ 
vient to Austria, to which the people are strongly attached. 
Tliis country came into the possession of the House of Haps¬ 
burg in the thirteenth century. Innspruck is the capital. 

5. Styria —anciently a part of Pannonia, w'as conquered 
by Charlemagne, and annexed to Austria in the twelfth cen¬ 
tury. It consists principally of a valley, divided by a branch 
of tlie Alps. The surface is much broken. The inhabitants 
raise various grains, hemp, flax, tobacco, cattle, and sheep. 
The mining of iron, copper, salt, alum, and coal, forms a chief 
branch of industry. The inhabitants are mostly Roman 
Catholic. There is an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of the 
Virgin Mary at Mariazell, consisting of persons from nearly 
all parts of the Austrian dominions. The pilgrims are mostly 
of the poorer classes, the larger part being women. They 
go in regular procession, most of them being barefoot. Gratz, 
the capital, is an important town, picturesquely situated on 
the Mur. It has extensive fortifications, and communicates 
with Vienna and Trieste by railways. 

6. Illyria. —This kingdom, anciently Illyricum, is a 
mountainous country, with a mild climate and good soil. It 
yields wane, olive-oil, wheat, maize, and cattle. Its mines 
produce gold, silver, mercury, lead, copper, and iron. The 
chief manufactures are woolen cloths and glass. The com¬ 
merce centers at Trieste. The greater part of the population 
belongs to the Slavonic race. Trieste, the capital, is the 
principal seaport of the Austrian empire. The harbor is 
small but conv'enlent. The commerce is extensive. In the 
Middle Ages it was the capital of a republic. The kingdom 
of Illyria was formed by Napoleon in 1809, making part 
of tbe French empire. It assumed its present form in 1822. 

7. Bolicniia —the seat of the ancient Boii, is styled a 
kingdom. It is an elevated plateau, nearly encircled by lofty 
mountains. It is crossed by the river Elbe. The climate 
is cold in the mountains, but mild and delightful in the val¬ 
leys. It is alike rich in its mineral, agricultural, and manu¬ 
facturing products. The transit trade is considerable. The 
Elbe and the- Moldau are navigated by steam-packets. The 
Roman Catholic is the religion of the state. The people 
are hardy and cheerful, fond of travel, and possess high 
musical talent. They are inclined to superstition, and pay 
great reverence to images. The peasants are much op¬ 
pressed by their masters. Prague, the capital, is a large 
and flourishing city on the Moldau. It is the center of 
Bohemian commerce. The university here is much cele¬ 
brated. Bohemia came into the possession of Austria, A. D. 
1526. The Emperor of Austria bears the title of the King 
of Bohemia, and is crowned at Prague. 

8. Moravia —anciently inhabited by the Quadi and 
Marcomanni, is an elevated table-land, with a fertile soil 
and a very mild climate. Its agriculture is thriving, and its 
vinevards are very extensive. Its agriculture and mining 
industry are highly productive. Brunn, the capital, is an 
important town, and is connected with Vienna by a railroad. 


Exercises on the Map (p. 220 ).—Boundaries of Austria? 
Capital ? Describe the Danube. Boundaries of Hungary ? Mo¬ 
ravia, d'c. ? What mountains in the west and north of Hungary ? 


Where is Trieste? Prague? Innspruck? Buda? Hermanstadt ? 

LESSON CHI. 1. Characteristics? 2. Divisions? 3. Aus¬ 
tria Proper? ^.1 he Tyrol? d.Btyria? B. Illyria? 1. Bohemia? 
































































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IfcoTn. Gi-ecRwic4i- 




































































EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA. 


221 



Hungarian Officers and Soldiers. 


It was the head-quarters of Napoleon before the battle of 
Austerlitz, which took place in December, 1805. This town 
is twelve miles south of Brunn. 

9. Silesia—anciently inhabited by the Quadi, became 
subject to Poland in the sixth century. The country has a 
rough surface, with extensive forests. The agricultural and 
mineral products are very considerable. This Austrian dis¬ 
trict is only the southern part of Silesia, conquered from 
Austria by Frederick the Great, in 1742. It is annexed to 
the government of Moravia. 

10. Dalmatia—anciently a part of Illyria, belonged to 
Hungary till the fifteenth century, when, fora long period, 
it became the seat of war between the Austrians and Turks. 
It was annexed to Austria in 1797. It is traversed by 
branches of the Alps, running parallel to the coast. The 
climate is very mild. The sirocco blows for three months in 
the year, and is much dreaded. The soil is goed. Agricul¬ 
ture is in a rude state. Salt is a profitable article of export. 
Coal and iron are found. The fisheries employ 8000 people. 
Ship-building is an active branch of industry, and there are 
good harbors along the coast. The inhabitants are mostly 
Slavonic, and a greater part are Roman Catholics. 

11. llung'ary—is an extensive kingdom, traversed by 
branches of the Carpathian mountains. It is crossed by the 
Danube, and the Theis, one of its tributaries. In the mount¬ 
ains the climate is cold ; in the valleys it is mild and agree¬ 
able. It is healthy, except in the extensive marshes. The 
vine, fig, and orange are cultivated in the more southern 
districts. The mountains are covered with dense forests. 
The products of agriculture are all kinds of grain, tobacco, 
cattle, and vineyards. Next to France, Hungary .is the 
greatest wine country in Europe. The swine are estimated 
at eight millions. Bees are extensively reared. Wild game 
abounds and fish are plentiful in the rivers. The gold wash¬ 
ings are important. Copper, iron, and lead are extensively 
wrought. The trade on the rivers is very extensive. Pesth, 
united to Buda, constitutes the capital. The Slavonians are 
the majority of the population. The Magyars are, however, 
the leading ra<;e. The upper classes are well educated ; the 

8. Moravia / 9. Silesia, i 10. Dalmatia 3 11. Hungary 3 Its his- 


masses are ignorant. The Magyars are generally Protest- | 
ants, and are a high-spirited, intelligent, and independent 
people. Hungary received the name of Pannonia from the 
Romans. At that time, about 200 B. C., the country ap¬ 
pears to have been occupied by a branch of the Scythians, j 
who originated near Lake Baikal, in central Asia. These 
were the Alans, who were afterward joined by the Huns, 
also from central Asia, forming the populous empire of At- 
tila in the fifth century. These people are represented as 
of small stature, but vigorous and warlike. The men rode 
small hardy horses, and seemed to live the greater part of 
the time on horseback. The country of the Huns was suc¬ 
cessively overrun by several Gothic tribes. In the ninth 
century, a people from central Asia, named Magyars, pen¬ 
etrated hither, conquered the country, and established them- 
selv’es in it. Arpad, their leader, is regarded as the founder 
of Hungary, though the title of king was not taken till the 
year 1000, when Transylvania was added to the territory. 
From this period, Hungary makes a prominent figure in 
history. During a part of the sixteenth and seventeenth 
centuries, it was subject to the Turks. Civil war and insur¬ 
rections, which had desolated the country for a long period, 
ceased in 1711, when the country finally came under the 
power of Austria. At various times the Hungarians have - 
rallied in support of the Austrian sovereigns, but of late they 
have become dissatisfied with the government. In 1848 
and 1849, they made a noble effort to deliver themselves 
from the Austrian yoke. Austria was joined by the Rus¬ 
sians, and, after several sanguinary battles, the Hungarians 
were finally defeated by the treachery of Gen. Georgey. 
Kossuth, their noble leader, escaped into Turkey, where he 
was detained until 1851. He was then released, at the in¬ 
tercession of the American and English governments. 

12. Sclavoiiia—part of ancient Pannonia, is called a 
kingdom. It derives its name from the Sclavi, who settled 
there in the seventh century, and who formed a part of the 
great Sarmatian family, called Sclavonians. In the tenth ■ 
century, it came under the dominion of Hungary, and was * 
confirmed to Austria in 1699. 


tory3 Arpad? Revolution 0 / 1848.? Kossuth? 12. Slavon.ia^ \ 





























































222 


KINGDOM OF PRUSSIA. 


13. Croatia —inhabited in early times by Pannonians, 
is divided between Austria and Turkey. Austrian Croatia 
has a fertile soil, producing grains and vines. The climate 
is mild. The inhabitants are a branch of the Sclavonic fam¬ 
ily. Tht? country has been in the hands of various masters. 
This, as well as Sclavonia,has been for a long time attached 
to the kingdom of Hungary. In the late war, the Croats 
assisted Austria against the Hungarians, 

14. Transylvania —par^ of the ancient Dacia, has 
been a principality since 1765. It is covered with branches 
of the Carpathian range. The climate is cold among the 
mountains, but very mild in the valleys. Tlie soil is vari¬ 
ous ; the forests are extensive. There are bears, wolves, 
and abundance of game. There is an immense bed of rock- 
salt, extending into Wallachia and Galicia. The mineral pro¬ 
ducts are valuable. Agriculture is the chief employment. 
The inhabitants comprise fourteen distinct races. The Cath¬ 
olic and Greek religions prevail. 

15. Tlie Military Frontier —consists of a narrow 
strip of territory, extending for nearly 1000 miles along the 
Turkish frontier, from the Gulf of Venice to Galicia. It 
was long since established by the Austrian government as a 
barrier against the Turks. The present inhabitants are at the 
same time soldiers and cultivators of the soil, but ready for 
the defense of the country. The present system for its 
government was organized in 1807. 

16. Galicia —formerly belonging to Poland, came to 
Austria in the partitions of 1772 and 1795. It was at one 
period comprised in what is called Red Russia. It includes 
the ancient principality of Lodomeria. Bukovina was for¬ 
merly one of the divisions of East Galicia. Galicia mostly 
consists of wide plains. The climate is rigorous. Cattle, 
horses, and bees are extensively reared. The inhabitants 
are of Sclavonic origin, and speak the Polish language. Jews 
are numerous. The Roman Catholic and Greek religions 
prevail. Education is in a backward state. 

17. General Remarks on Austria. —It will be 
perceived that the Austrian empire, consisting originally of 
the small central portion which is inhabited by Germans, 
has been gradually built up by getting possession of the va¬ 
rious countries around it, mainly lying to the south and 
east. Thus, it exercises dominion over a great number of 
nations of different origin, history, religion, manners, and 
customs. The emperors of Austria were also emperors of 
Germany the greater part of the time, for the space of nearly 
500 years, till the German empire was overthrown by Na¬ 
poleon in 1806. The general tenor of the government has 
been despotic, and adverse to improvement. Hence the Aus¬ 
trian dominions are behind most portions of Germany in 
every species of progress. 

18. Republic of Cracow. —This consisted of the 
city of that name, the second capital of Poland, with its ter¬ 
ritory, lying upon the Vistula. In 1815, the Congress of 
Vienna, in plundering Poland for the last time, could not 
agree whether Cracow should belong to Russia, Prussia, or 
Austria. They therefore guarantied its neutrality and invi¬ 
olability as a republic. It flourished for 30 years as the cen¬ 
ter of a valuable commerce. But Austria, under pretence 
that Cracow was the resort of political agitators, crushed this 
republic in 1846, and took the territory to herself, France, 
England, and Russia quietly submitting. 


Lesson ClY... Kingdom of Prussia. 

1. Cliaractcristics. —This is an important kingdom 
of Central Europe, consisting of two distinct territories— 
one portion bordering on Russia, the other traversed by 
the Rhine. Between these are several small German 
states. 

2. Face of the Country» —The surface of 

Prussia is generally flat, except in the province of Saxony, 
which is crossed by the Hartz Mountains. It has 500 
miles of coast upon the Baltic. The Rhine, celebrated for 
its beautiful valley, is navigable for large vessels and steam¬ 
ers to a considerable distance. The Prussian territories 
bordering on this river have a fine climate, are highly cul¬ 
tivated, and occupied by numerous towns and cities. The 
region around Magdeburg, on the Elbe, is called the garden 
of Berlin. The eastern provinces have numerous lakes, 
and a cold and humid climate, with many fertile tracts. 
The territory of Prussia is highly productive. Agriculture, 
the chief source of the national wealth, is carefully con¬ 
ducted. The Rhenish wines are very celebrated. The 
lynx, beaver, badger, otter, wild-boar, stag, fallow-deer, 
marten, and wild-goose, are common in some of the prov¬ 
inces. The manufactures are important. The commerce 
is very active, and has been recently much increased by the 
system called Zollverein, or commercial customs-union. 

3. Political Divisions.— 


ProTiDcefc Population. 

Ea-st Prussia. 1,480,318 j 

West Prussia. 1,019,105 j 

Posen (Prussia in Poland) 1,304,399. 

Pomerania. 1,165.073. 

Silesia. 3,065,809. 

Brandenburg. 2,066,993. 

Saxony. 1,742,4.52- 

Westphalia. 1,447,719. 

Khenish Prussia. 2,763,080. 


Chief Citiea, 

Konigsberg 

Posen. 

Stettin. 

Breslau .... 
Potsdam ■ • • 
Magdeburg 
Munster ... 
Cologne ••• 


Pop. 

72,400 

32,000 

42,000 

63,237 

38,000 

54.500 
23,900 

78.500 


Posen was formerly a part of Poland : Posen, its capita], 
was the metropolis of ancient Poland. It was assigned to 
Prussia by the Congress of Vienna, in 1815. Pomerania 
is a large province, in a backward and barbarous state. 
Silesia was taken from Austria in 1742. Brandenburg is a 
province in the center of the kingdom, and forms its nu¬ 
cleus. Saxony is a province contiguous to the Kingdom of 
Saxony, and taken from that kingdom, and given to Prussia, 
in 1815. Westphalia was part of the kingdom of that name 
established by Napoleon, his brother Jerome being king. 
This was dismembered in 1815, the province being then 
given to Prussia. 

4. Government, &c. —This is an hereditary mon¬ 
archy ; the authority of the king was formerly absolute, but 
is now modified by the constitution of 1847. The roads are 
good. The canals, railroads, and telegraphic lines are nu¬ 
merous, radiating from Berlin. The population consists of 
two-thirds Germans and one-third Sclavonians. The state 
religion is Protestant, but all creeds are tolerated. Edu¬ 
cation has been made nearly universal by the government. 
There are 24,000 elementary schools. There are, also, 
numerous universities of high standing, and many cele¬ 
brated literary and learned societies. The standing army 
is 137,000, and the men capable of bearing arms 837,000. 
Prussia has no navy, but the mercantile marine is under 
the control of the government. The public revenue is 
$88,566,380; the public debt, $162,861,444. Berlin, i\\e 


13. Croatia ? 14. Transylvania ? 15. The military frontier ? 16. 

Galicia? 17. General reynarks on Austria ? Republic of Cracow ? 

Exercises on the Map (see p. 220 ). —Boundaries of Prussia? 


Capital ? Describe the Elde; the Oder; the Rhine. What sea at 
the north ? Where is Brandenburg ? Silesia ? Posen ? 

LESSON CIV. H. Characteristics? 2. Face of the country ? 













































GERMANY. 


ri 




capital, is a magnificent city. Dantzic has an extensive 
commerce, and great wealth. Tliere are many other large 
and interesting cities. The people are brave, industrious, 
and fond of military parade. Some of the women labor 
in the fields with the men. 

5, History.—The Kingdom of Prussia is of modern 
origin. In the eaily ages, it Avas occupied by Gothic 
tribes, among whom were the Vindili. It remained nearly 
in a savage state till 1226, Avhen one of the kings of 
Poland, to whom the country belonged, gave a portion of 
the territory upon the Vistula to the Teutonic knights. 
These subjugated East Prussia, and converted the people 
to Christianity. Albert of Brandenburg, grand master of 
the order, appropriated the country in 1525 ; his family 
augmented these possessions. Frederic, one of his de¬ 
scendants, obtained the title of king in 1701, and acquired 
the principality of Neufchatel, in Switzerland. By the 
treaty of Utrecht, William I. obtained a portion of the 
duchy of Gelders ; he acquired the duchy of Limburg, 
and took from Sweden the greater part of Pomerania. 
Frederic, surnamed the Great, came to the throne in 1740. 
lie was one of the most renowned Avarriors of the eigh¬ 
teenth century. He conquered Silesia, Avhich was aban¬ 
doned by Austria in 1742. During a reign of forty-six 
years, he nearly doubled the Prussian territory. This king 
and his successor took part in the dismemberment of Poland, 
and thus acquired the grand-duchy of Posen. By the treaty 
of Tilsit, in 1807, Prussia Avas dejxived of all her posses¬ 
sions between the Rhine and the Elbe, and the greater 
part of Prussian Poland ; but in 1815, after the fall of 
Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna restored all these es¬ 
tates, except a part of Poland; and, at the -^ame time, 
granted to Prussia a part of Saxony, and the duchy of the 
Lower.Rhine. Thus the fabric of the Prussian monarchy 
has been built up in modern times by conquest and di¬ 
plomacy, and is now one of the “ Five Great Powers" Avhich 
control the political destinies of Europe. 

3. Divisions ? 4. Government, d;c. ? 5. History ? 

lixercises on the Map of Germany (see p. 220 ). — Describe 
the position of Germany. Where is Wirtemherg? Hanpver? 


Lesson CV...Germany. 

1. Cliaracleristics.— Germany is a term given to 
nearly forty kingdoms, duchies, and principalities in Central 
Europe, the people of Avhich are mostly of German origin, 
and have been, for the greater part of the last 1000 years, 
united in one empire. 

2. Mountains, &c. —The southern part of this great 
territory is diversified by several branches of the Alps. 
The middle region^consists of a plateau, crossed by the 
Rhine and Elbe, Avith their various branches. The northern 
region slopes doAvn to flats. Avhich in some places require 
dykes to protect them from the sea. The rivers are nu¬ 
merous. The Oder, Elbe, and Rhine floAv nortluvard. The 
course of the Danube is southeast, floAving into the Black 
Sea. 

3. Climate, Soil, &c. —The climate is various, but 
generally mild and healthy. A great part of the soil is 
highly fertile, and industriously cultivated. There are 
numerous forests, among Avhich the Avild-boar, bear, and 
wolf, the marmot, chamois, lynx, fox, marten, weasel, eagle, 
and vulture are found in different parts. Fish are not 
abundant. Domestic animals abound. The common pro¬ 
ducts of agriculture are yielded in great quantities. The 
Avines in the south are excellent and abundant. The mines 
comprise gold, silv'er, iron, tin, lead, mercury, bismuth, 
zinc, <kc. The manufactures are A'arious and abundant, but 
steam power and machinery are less employed than in some 
other countries. The internal commerce of Germany, for¬ 
merly greatly embarrassed by the levying of duties in each 
separate state through which goods passed, has been lately 
promoted by the Zollverein, Avhich reduces them to a single 
duty. Steam-packets upon the rivers, an excellent system 
of railways, comprising a line of more than 3000 miles, 
with various canals, greatly facilitate this important com¬ 
merce. 

4. Political Divisions. —The following table exhibits 

Havana ? Where is Frankfort ? Stutgard ? Munich ? Dresden ? 

LliSSON CV. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains, dec. ? 

3. Climate, soil, d:c. ? 4. Political divisions ? 5. Inhabitants / 




















































224 


GERMANY. 


the several German states, with their extent, population, 
religion, &c., including the German portions of Austria and 
Prussia: 


StAtOI. 

Style of Slates. 

Aren in 
sq. m. 

Population. 

RePn. 

Cnpitnlfl. 

Pop’n. 

Anhalt-Bernburg 

Duchy. 

33!) 

48,844 

Prot. 


6,772 

Anhalt'Kolhen.. 


318 

43,180 

do. 



Aiihall-Dessau .. 

do. 

3(10 

63,082 

do. 

Dessau. 

12,000 

Austria (parts of) 

Empire. 

76,08(1 

11,893,182 

Oath. 


410.9-17 

Haden . 

Grand-duchy 

5,904 

1,349.930 

do. 

Carlsriihe. 

23.748 

Bavaria. 


x!9,637 

4,519.546 

do. 


1 (Mi ,776 

IJremen. 

Free City.... 

112 

' 72,820 

Prot. 

Bremen. 

72,820 

Itrunswick. 

Duchy...... 

1,531 

268,943 

do. 


42,000 

Frankfort. 

Free City.... 

' 38 

68.240 

do. 

Frankfort. 

68;240 

liaiuburg... 

do. 

151 

188,054 

do. 


lH8.0.i4 

Hanover. 


14,846 

1,773,711 

do. 


40,000 

Ilesse-Cassel .... 

Electorate .. 

4,439 

'7323)73 

do. 

Cassel. 

32,516 

Hesse-Darmstadt 

Grand-duchy 

3,761 

852,679 

do. 

Darmstadt.... 

27,000 

Hesse-Hoinburg. 

Landgrave.. 

206 

24,373 

do. 

Ilomburg. 

4.500 

Hoheuzollen- 







Hechingen.... 

Principality. 

117 

20,143 

Cath. 

Hechingen.... 

3,389 

Hohenzolien- 







Sigmaringen.. 

, do. 

335 

4.5,431 

do. 

Sigmaringen .. 

1,804 

Holstein & Lau- 







enbnrg (Dan.). 

do. 

3,7->9 

526.850 

Prot. 

Glucksburg... 

750 

Liechtenstein ... 

do. 

53 

6.:)51 

Cath. 


1,700 

Lippe-Detmold.. 


438 

108,236 

Prot. 


4,716 

Lubcc. 

Free City.... 

114 

47,197 

do. 


25,339 

Luxemburg, 




Netherlands .. 

Grand-duchy 

1,841 

389.319 

Cath. 

Luxemburg... 

12,000 

Mecklenburg- 







Schwerin. 


4,845 

524,842 

Prot. 


17,336 

Mecklenburg- 




Strelitz ... 


767 

94,406 

do. 

St.rplil.7. . 

3,089 

Nassau. 


1,751 

418,627 

do. 


12,269 

Oldenburg and 




Kniphausen... 

Grand-duchy 

2,421 

278,909 

do. 

Oldenburg .... 

X.829 

Prussia (part of) 

Kingdom.... 

71,526 

12,249,126 

do. 

Berlin. 

428,982 

Keuss (old line). 

Principality. 

144 

33,803 

do. 

Greiz. 

6,215 

Keuss (young 









448 

77,016 

do. 


3.217 



6,777 

1,894,431 



90h69 

Saxe-Altenburg . 

Duchy. 

510 

129,589 

do. 

Altenburg .... 

14,080 

SuxeCoburg- 









799 

147,195 



10,092 

Saxe-Meiningen- 






Ilildb'ghnuAen 

do. 

971 

100,515 

do. 

.Meiningen .... 

6,205 

Saxe-VVeimar- 







Fasenach. 

do. 

1,418 

257,573 

do. 


11,144 

Schaumburg- 




I'ippe. 

Principality. 

207 

31,870 

do. 

Buckeburg.... 

2,100 

Sehwarzburg- 







Sondershausen 

do. 

327 

58,628 

do. 

Sondershausen 

3,500 

.-^chwarzburg- 







Uudolstadt.... 

do. 

331 

68,891 

do. 

Rudolstadt.... 

5,743 


do. 

461 

58,753 

do. 


2,050 

Wurlemburg ... 

Kingdom.... 

7,658 

1,802,252 

do. 

Stuttgiirt. 

38>27 


5. Inliatoitanfs. — The inhabitants of the numerous 
states embraced under tlie title of Germany amount to 
nearly 42,000,000. The chief branches of industry among 
them are agriculture, cattle rearing, and mining. The 
greater portion are descendants of the various tribes which 
settled down in great numbers upon the banks of the 
Rhine, Elbe, and Oder, and received the ancient name of 
Teutones, or Germans. There are many other races scat¬ 
tered in different parts, including some 
Jews, Slavonians, Italians, and French. 

The rich and powerful German language 
is every where predominant, though 
many of the peasants speak impure 
dialects. Protestantism prevails in the 
north, and Catholicism in the south. In 
many of the states, there are good com¬ 
mon schools. Universities, lyceums, 
academics, leanied societies, and richly 
furnished public libraries, abound. Many 
arts, including architecture, painting, 

v.i , • j ^ • X- German Peddler. 

lithography, engraving, and printing, 
are carried to a high degree of perfection. Various prod¬ 
ucts of the press are widely distributed by peddlers, many 




of whom find their way to this country. The people have 
never attained the refinement of the French, but they are 
distinguished for integrity and industry. The great inven¬ 
tions of gunpowder and printing, with many others of less 
importance, were made here. The intellectual powers of the 
German which are of a high order, have been displayed in 
an immense number of works, in every branch of literature. 

6. Cities. —The cities of Germany are ver)'^ numerous, 
and many of them are splendid. Others are interesting on 
account of their institutions, or their historical associations. 
Mentz, or Mayence, on the Rhine, in Hesse-Darmstadt, is 
the birthplace of Guttenberg, the in- 
ventot of printing, in 1344, where a 
statue is raised to his memory. Munich 


Oallery of Fine Arts at Munich, 


Statue of Quitenberg^, 


is one of the handsomest cities in Germany, and celebrated 
for its gallery of the fine arts. Fmnkfort-on-the-Maine, en¬ 
circled by beautiful gardens, is noted as the birthplace of 
the poet Goethe, and as being the capital of the former 
Germanic Confederation. Aix-la- Cha'pelle is celebrated for 
its hot-baths, and for being the capital and burying-phice 
of Charlemagne. There are at least a hundred other cities 
in Germany, which possess a high degree of historical in¬ 
terest. 



JVatural Pillara in Saxon Switzerland. 


Y. Curiosities. —In the Prussian province of Saxony 
is the Hartz range of mountains, the chief elevation of which 
is the Brocken. This is the cradle of many superstitio ?s, 
especially that of the “ Wild Huntsman.” It is also the 
scene of the spectral delusion called the “ Specter of the 
Brocken." The form of a man standing upon the hight is, 
under certain circumstances, reflected in a gigantic image 
upon the clouds. The mountainous part of the kingdom 
of Saxony is called Saxon Switzerland. Here, southeast 
of Dresden, are groups of natural rock, rising like the pil- 


[nduKlry f Lanyuage? Religion I Education f 


Inventions ? 


6. Cities I Mentz, Munich, Aix la-Chapelle, dec. ? 7. Curiosities t 







































































































GERMANY. 


225 



lars of an ancient ruined temple. In Bavaria, at Gailen- 
ruth, is a remarkable cavern, with several chambers, con¬ 
taining the bones of antediluvian animals. At Heidelberg, 
in Baden, is a remarkable wine-cask, said to contain 800 
hogsheads. At Stutgard, in Wirtemberg, in the Royal 
Library, is the most e.xtensive collection of Bibles in the 
world, comprising over 8000 copies, in sixty-eight different 
languages. At Leipsic, in Saxony, there is an annual fair, 
which is doubtless the greatest in the world. The number 
of books offered for sale is immense. Near Eisenach, in 
Saxe-Weimar, is the castle of Warzburg, where Luther was 
concealed by his friends, when put under the ban of the 
empire. Carlsruhe, the capital of Baden, is remarkable for 
having its principal streets radiating from the ducal palace, 
like the sticks of an open fan. The eminences along the 
banks of the Rhine present a great number of ruins of an¬ 
cient baronial castles, among which is the Crag of Drachen- 
fels, celebrated by Byron. The museums of Germany 
abound in relics of past ages. 

8. History.—Germany was early the seat of numerous 
fierce and warlike tribes, some of which were subjugated 
by the Romans, while others baffled the armies of that 
great people. From this prolific magazine were drawn a 
considerable portion of the various tribes which overran 
France and the south of Europe, in the fifth century. 
Charlemagne became the master of the greater part of the 
country about the year 800, and founded the German em¬ 
pire. This was governed by a sovereign, called emperor, 
who was elected by the different states. To become em¬ 
peror has been, at various periods, the object of ambition to 
the leading sovereigns of Europe. Among the more dis¬ 
tinguished emperors were Frederic Barbarossa, who per¬ 
ished by drowning, in Asia, while leading the third cru¬ 
sade, A. D. 1190 ; Frederic II., who came to the throne 
in 1212, and is distinguished for the romantic events of his 
reign; Rodolph of Hapsburg, the crafty founder of the 

I Austrian power, crowned 1273 ; Maximilian I., celebrated 

! 8, History? Origin of Germany? Mention the principal sover- 

I 29 


for his exploits by the ancient minstrels, and who died 
in 1519 ; and Charles V. of Spain, his grandson and suc¬ 
cessor, in 1519. From the time of Albert V. of Austria, 
in 1438, down to the dissolution of the empire, which took 
place in 1806, most of the emperors of Germany were also 
emperors of Austria. The Confederation of the Rhine, 
established by Napoleon in 1806, overturned the German 
empire. This was superseded in 1815 by the Germanic 
Confederation, established by the Congress of Vienna. This 
was composed of all the German states, according to the 
preceding table, who formed an alliance to maintain the 
peace and order of the respective states. The government 
of the Confederation consisted of a Diet, or Congress, which 
met at Frankfort-on-the-Maine. The whole number of 
deputies amounted to seventy. The representative of the 
Emperor of Austria presided. Only the German portions 
of Austria and Prussia belonged to the Confederation. The 
individual states had their own local governments and laws, 
and only affairs of general interest were under the charge 
of the Diet. In 1848, the French Revolution spread the 
spirit of revolt into Germany, causing many of the sover¬ 
eigns to grant charters to their people, or to fly before 
popular insurrection. The Germanic Confederation was 
broken up, but, after a time, most of the monarchies were 
restored to their former position, and a general Confedera¬ 
tion has been partially established. 

9. The Free Cities. —The four free cities named in 
the preceding list, Hamburg, Frankfort, Bremen, and Lubec, 
are a portion of the Hanseatic League, formed about the 
middle of the thirteenth century, for the purpose of resist¬ 
ing the numerous pirates that crippled the rich commerce 
of Germany. At one period, the League comprised eighty- 
five towns, and was able to send a combined fleet in a war 
against Denmark, comprising 248 vessels. When the dan- 
gers of trading by sea and land diminished, the League 
declined. The last assembly was held in 1630. The four 
free cities alluded to have their independent governments. 
-^ ■ 

eigns. Revolution of 1848? 9. The free, cities? Their origin? 



































SWITZERLAND. 


226 


Extent, 17,208 square miles. 


s 

tec 


02 




1.(111. K.lt'oiii tirr('ll>\i(\ 

-.-j-- 




1i;i flliausen 
Ji7tui£> yi — 


..4- 


Triniii trill Tv, 


T\T.r5tvSi* 




5 ‘Aaiisilnric §/ 





Ii; 


Sion, 

, ''S'^>'$rartiA 

-£i 






^L.,, 




''"''l§)f''f“ / 

I '^■TScmaril 8 5 ^ 


\ 

H 'U 

[TAI^i.E . IV’rm I *\VT» .si li n (> I 


PS 

P3 


p: 


Population, 2,Mi,178. Pop. to sq. mile, IM. 


Lesson CVI... Switzerland. 

1. Cliaractcri$tics.—Switzerland is remark¬ 
able for its sublime mountains, its beautiful lakes, 
and romantic scenery. 

2. Mountains, &c.—The Alps, the most 
remarkable mountains in Europe, both in extent 
and elevation, cover all the central and southern 
parts of this country. The higher peaks are cov¬ 
ered with perpetual snow', and qoresent, in their 
magnificent glaciers, the innumerable cascades 
w'hich are precipitated from their summits, and 
the forests and meadows which cover their Hanks, 
the most imposing and picturesque scenery in 
Europe. Mont Blanc, the most lofty point of the 
Alps, reaches an elevation of 15,810 feet. The 
chief lakes of Switzerland are those of Geneva, 

Lucerne, Constance, and Zurich; these are re- 
mai'kable for their extent, and for the depth and 
purity of their waters. The rivers Rhine, Rhone, 
and Ticino, have their sources in Switzerland. 

Ainonor the wild animals are the ibex and the 

O 

chamois, and, in the unfrequented tracts, bears, 
lynxes, and wolves. The lammergeyer, the largest 
native bird of Europe, is found in the mountains. 

3. Climate, Products, dtc.—The climate may be 
said to be cold on the Alps, temperate in the plains, and 
hot during summer in some of the valleys. The principal 
w'ealth of the people consists in their excellent pastures and 
fine breeds of cattle. There are great quantities of valuable 
timber trees—the oak, beech, larch, and birch. Cotton 
goods, silks, w'atches, jewelry, musical boxes, and straw- 
plait are the principal manufactures. 

4. Political Divisions.—The Swiss Confederacy 
consists of twenty-tw'o cantons, as follows : 

CaniuuB. Population. Capitals. Population. 

Berne. 407,913...Berne. 22,422 

Zurich. 231,576.Zurich. 11,000 

Valid. 183,582.Lausanne. 10,000 

Aargau. 182,755..Aargau. 3,000 

St. Gall. 158.853.Su Gall. 9,000 

Lucerne. 124,521.Lucerne. 6,000 

Ticino. 113,923.Lugano. 4,000 

Friburg. 91,145.Friburg. 7,000 

Grisons. 84.506. Coire. 3,000 

Thurgau. 84,124.Frauenfeld. 2,000 

Valais. 76.590.Sitten. 3,000 

Basle. 65,424.Basle.. 16,000 

Soleure. 63,196.Soleure. 4,000 

Geneva. 58,666.Geneva. 26,000 

Neufchatel. .58,616.Neulch.atel.• • 5,000 

Appenzell. 50,876.Appenzell.. 3,000 

Schweitz. 40,650.Schweitz. 5.000 

Schaffhausen. 32,582.Schaffhausen. 6,000 

G laris. 29.348.G laris. 4,000 

Unterwalden. 22,571.-.Sarnen. 2,000 

Zug. 15,322. ... Altorf.. 2,000 

Uri. 13,519.Zug. 3,000 

5. Governiiicnf, &c.—Switzerland is a federative 
state of tw'enty-tw'o republics, which conduct their domes¬ 
tic concerns Avholly independently of each other. They 
are all united, however, by a federal government called the 
Diet. Zurich, Berne, and Lucerne are alternately the capi¬ 
tal, each for the space of two years. The army consists 
of 67,516 men, of which half are a reserve. The public 
revenue is about $5,000,000. There is little or no public 
debt. About half the population are Protestqnts. The 


Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Switzerland? Extent? 
Population? Population to the square mile? What range of 
mountains on the southern boundary ? Name the principal rivers 
and lakes. Where is Priburg ? Geneva ? Berne ? 


people are brave, honest, simple, and economical. They 
speak different languages in different parts of the country— 
French, German, and a corrupt Italian dialect. 

6. Chief Towns.— Geneva is the principal city of 
Sw'itzerland. Its situation is very picturesque, and the ad¬ 
jacent country abounds in magnificent views. It is famous 
as having been the center and asylum of the reformed re¬ 
ligion. It possesses a public library of 80,000 volumes. 
Its university has long been distinguislied as a seat of 
learning. Zurich is noted for its public institutions, and 
clean streets, and Basle for its manufacture of ribbons. 
Berne, one of the capitals, is one of the handsomest cities 
in Europe. 

7. History.— This country was called Helvetia, by the 
Romans, and was inhabited by the Ilelvetii, a Celtic tribe. 
After the conquest of Gaul, the Romans sent colonies into 
Helvetia, to introduce the arts of civilization. Several cen¬ 
turies after, the Huns swept through the valleys of the 
Alps, and the Roman improvements disappeared. In the 
middle of the sixth century, the country was conquered by 
the Franks, and became a portion of their empire. The 
feudal system prevailed largely thei’e, and, for a long time, 
the Swiss submitted to the sway of foreign princes. At 
length, incensed by the oppressions of Albert of Austria, 
the son of Rodolph of Hapsburg, the three cantons of 
Schweitz, Uri, and Unterwalden rose in rebellion. Thev 
w'ere led by William Tell, the “ Hero of Switzerland,” and 
in the year 1307 achieved their independence. During 
the next three centuries, they received accessions of terri¬ 
tory by the admission of other cantons. The country was 
obliged to submit to French dictation at the period of 
the revolution; but at the downfall of Napoleon it again 
became independent. The Congress of Vienna proclaimed 
its perpetual neutrality in 1815. The French revolutions 
of 1830 and 1848 caused insurrection and turmoil. These, 
however, Avere transient, and Switzerland is noAv quiet. 


LESSOrr CVI. l. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains, dec. ? 

3. Climate, products, tfcc. ? 4. Political divisions ? 5. Gcmern- 

ment, d'c.? 6. Chief towns? 7. History? What of William 

Tell? Present state of Switzerland? 

















































































































BELGIUM. 


227 


Lesson CVIL.. Belgium. 

1. Cltaractcrislics. —The Kingdom of Belgium may 
be noted as being the most thickly settled country in 
Europe, and as having been the scene of numerous cele¬ 
brated battles within the last 300 years. 

2. Face of the Country, &c. —The coasts are flat, 
requiring dikes to protect them from the sea. The center 
is undulating ; the south mountainous—being crossed by 
the Ardennes Mountains. The chief rivers are the Meuse 
and Scheldt. The climate is cool and humid ; the soil 
generally fertile, especially in Flanders. The mountains 
are covered with thick forests, and having rich mines of 
iron, coal, copper, zinc, (fee. 

3. Industry, &c. —Twice as much grain is raised as 
is needed for home consumption. Flanders is especially 
fanmus for its agriculture. The country resembles En¬ 
gland—being fenced by hedges. Horned cattle are nu¬ 
merous ; colts are exported ; and immense numbers of hogs 
are raised in the forests. Horticulture is an important 
branch of industry. The mining operations, especially in 
iron and coal, are very extensive. The fisheries in the 
open sea, and along the coast, are productive. The manu¬ 
factures, however, are the chief source of wealth. Four 
hundred thousand persons are employed in spinning and 
w'eaving. The products of the manufactures embrace 
woolen cloths, cottons, stockings, (fee. Eleven million yards 
of linen fabrics are made annually. Silks, laces, em¬ 
broideries, ribbons, hats, leather, (fee., are extensively man¬ 
ufactured. Much of the fine paper imported into this 
country comes from Belgium. The iron-forges at Liege 
and the vicinity are on a vast scale. Steam-engines, fire¬ 
arms, (fee., are made there. Thirteen thousand persons are 
employed in making nails. The commerce is considerable ; 
many of the articles imported pass through into Germany. 

4. Railroads, dec. —The railroads centering at Mech¬ 
lin, radiate in all directions, forming a complete system, the 
only one in Europe. The whole country is intersected by 
canals, many of which admit merchant vessels. The main 
roads are excellent. 

5. Crovernmeiit, &c. —This is a constitutional mon¬ 
archy, with a senate and house of representatives elected 
by the people. The punishment of death has been abol¬ 
ished. Religious toleration, freedom of the press, and trial 
by jury are established. The population are mainly Roman 
Catholics. The clergy of all sects are supported by the 
state. Each province has a local government. There are 
universities at Ghent, Liege, Louvain, and Brussels. In¬ 
ferior seminaries are numerous, but a large part of the 
people are uneducated. The public revenue is 120,000,000 ; 
the debt $180,000,000. The army consists of 90,000 men ; 
the navy is small. 

6. Chief Towns. — Brussels, the capital, on the little 
river Senne, is a beautiful city, and many English people 
choose it as a residence. The public buildings, parks, 
squares, promenades, and fountains, present a fine appear¬ 
ance. Ten miles south of this, on the border of the forest 
of Soigny, is the village of Waterloo, where Napoleon was 
fatally defeated by the allied army under Wellington and 
Bluclier, in September, 1815. Antwerp, on the Scheldt, 


Exercises on the Map (see p. 220 .)—Boundaries of Belgium ? 
Capital? What is its principal seaport? Where is Waterloo? 
Antwerp? Ypres? Ostend? Direction of the principal tokens from 
Brussels ? 


is noted for its fine Gothic cathedral, with a beautiful spire, 
441 feet high. It has several of the master-pieces of the 
painter Rubens, who lived a great part of his life in this 
city. Ghent has one of the largest citadels in Europe. 
Liege, on the Meuse, is noted for its manufactures. 

V. Political Divisions.—These are as follows : 

ProTinces. Population. Citiei. Populalion. 

Antwerp (Anvers). 305,852.Antwerp. SO.OOO 

West Flandere. 604.209.Bruges. 50,272 

Kast Fluntlers. 806.832.Ghent. 112,810 

Iluinault. 692,608.Mens. 23,165 

Liege. 436,077.Liege. 77,587 

Brabant (south). 678,406.Brussels. 12.5,000 

Limberg (part of). 180,948.Ilasselt. 8,745 

Luxemburg (part of) ... 185,017.Arlou. 4,193 

Namur. 258,613.Namur. 24.362 

8. Inlisibitants.—The Belgians are in part Flemings, 
of German origin, and in part Walloons, descendants of 
the ancient Belg®. The latter live along the borders of 
France, and resemble the people of that country. The 
lanoruaffe of the higher classes is French. The lower 

o o o ^ 

classes generally speak Flemish, which is a dialect of the 
lo5v German. The Walloons speak a kind of Frencli 
patois. The manners of the country are a compound of 
those of France and Holland. The people are distinguished 
for honesty and independence, with a mixture of gayety, 
politeness, and love of show. The Catholics are very strict 
in their religious observances. The middle and lower 
classes spend the afternoons and evenings of Sundays in 
tea-gardens and ball-rooms. Beer-drinking is carried to a 
great extent. Music is cultivated 5vith enthusiasm. Chimes 
of bells are so numerous, that in the larger towns they are 
almost constantly to be heard. A good bell-ringer is sure 
of a high salary. 

9. History*—When Caesar invaded Gaul, the provinces 
of East and West Flanders and Antwerp were partially 
overflowed by the ocean. The soil was so marshy that an 
inundation or a tempest overturned whole forests, which 
are still found embedded in the soil. The sea and rivers 
had no defined limits, and the earth no solidity. Many of 
the inhabitants of this low plain lived in huts upon the 
mounds of sand, or elevated above the reach of the tides, 
on stakes. The southern and southwestern portions, form¬ 
ing the present Walloon country, were covered with im¬ 
mense forests, inhabited by numerous tribes, who lived by 
hunting and rifde agriculture. They had cities inclosed 
by high stone walls, 5vith fortified gates of great strength. 
The armies contained troops of cavalry; the country pro¬ 
duced supplies of corn and abundance of cattle. The 
tribes combined against Caesar, levying 120,000 fighting 
men. In one battle, near Namur, he reduced an army of 
60,000 to 500. After capturing the town of Tongres, he 
sold 53,000 of the inhabitants for slaves. The highland 
country just described being subjugated by the Romans, 
was included in Belgic Gaul, and the people became amal¬ 
gamated with the Romans, adopting their manners and 
language. The Belgic soldiers became celebrated for their 
strength and courage ; and Caesar’s victory of Pharsalia 
was decided by the Belgic cavalry and light-infantry. The 
lo5vland people, on the contrary, continued faithful to their 
ancient manners and customs, pursuing commerce, and 
assimilating with the inhabitants of Holland. In the fifth 
century, the Belgic population was a good deal changed by 


LESSON evil. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Face of the courts 

try, (kc. ? 3. Industry, (kc. ? 4. Railroads, d’c. ? 5. Government, 
<kc. ? 6. Chief towns ? 7. Political divisions ? 8. Inhabitants ? 

9. History? 























































228 


HOLLAND. 


the Frankish emigration. Christianity was soon introduced 
and monasteries founded in the elevated country. The mari¬ 
time lowlanders, now blended with Saxons and Prisons— 
the latter known as Flemings, and giving name to their 
country—prospered in agriculture and commerce. In the 
ninth century, Flanders was covered with corporate towns, 
united for defense and social assistance. Soon after, the 
country suffered greatly from the piratical irruptions of the 
Northmen. For several subsequent centuries, the country 
was divided into provinces belonging to different families. 
In the fifteenth century, they all came under the Duke of 
Burgundy. At this time the idea of a Belgic nation seems 
to have been established. The cloth manufactures which 
had originated here two centuries before were so extensive, 
that Ypres had 4000 looms, and Ghent 50,000 weavers. 
Bruges and Antwerp were the great commercial marts of 
Europe—each containing 200,000 inhabitants. The wealthy 
were clad in gorgeous velvets, satins, and jewelry ; and 
the banquets almost rivaled the voluptuous fesists of the 
Roman emperors. This luxury produced such depravity, 
that in one year, 1400 murders were committed in the 
gambling-houses of Ghent. In 1477, Belgium passed 
under the dynasty of Austria; and in 1519, descended to 
Charles V., king of Spain and emperor of Germany. The 
wealth of the people at this period appears to have been 
immense. A fatal change came over the country through 
the oppressions and persecutions of Charles’s son and suc¬ 
cessor, Philip II. Commerce and trade dwindled away; 
many of the merchants were reduced to beg for bread, 
great cities became half deserted, and the scattered inhab¬ 
itants of villages were devoured by wolves. Thousands of 
the artisans fled from ruin and death to England, where 
they carried and established their manufacturing arts. 
Belgium remained under the Spanish dominion till the 
famous victory of Ramilies, gained by the Duke of Marl¬ 
borough in 1706, when it again passed to Austria. It had 
been connected with Holland from the time of the Duke 
of Burgundy, but it was now separate ; while Holland, 
having attained its independence, continued to flourish as a 
republic. The Belgian provinces remained under Austria 
till they were conquered by the French, after two cele¬ 
brated victories at Jemappes and Fleurus. It was annexed 
to the French Republic in 1795. In 1815, it was made a 
part of Holland by the Congress of Vienna. In 1830, 
incited by the Revolution of Paris, the people rebelled, 
and, after a brief struggle, achieved their independence— 
Leopold, their present sovereign, becoming emg. 

Lesson CVIIl... Holland. 

1. Characteristics. —Holland, or the Netherlands, 
composed of the ancient republic of the Seven United Prov¬ 
inces, with part of the Duchy of Limberg, is noted for its 
numerous canals and its dikes for keeping out the sea. 

2. Face of the Country, dec. —Holland is generally 
level. Seventy-eight miles of the coast are protected by 
natural downs or sand-banks thrown up by the sea, and 
fixed by plantations of sea-grass. On the other parts of 
tlie coast, especially in Zealand, Friesland, and Gelderland, 
the sea is kept out by enormous artificial dikes. The prin¬ 
cipal rivers are the Maeze, Scheldt, and Rhine. The latter. 

Exercises on the Map (p. 220). Boundaries of Holland? 
Capital ? Describe the Zuyder Zee. Where is Amsterdam ? Rot- 


on entering Holland, divides into two branches, and in its 
course to the German Ocean, is again several times divided. 
The principal gulfs are the Zuyder Zee, Lamver Zee, and the 
Dollart. The marshes are numerous, and some are exten¬ 
sive. There are several islands in the estuary of the Scheldt 
and Meuse and at the entrance of the Zuyder Zee. The 
most noted are Walcheren and Texel. The climate of Hol¬ 
land is moist, and mild for the latitude. Snows are not 
abundant. The canals at the north and Zuyder Zee are 
frozen over three months in the year. The soil is argilla¬ 
ceous, without minerals, except bog-iron. The southern 
provinces are the most fertile. 

3. Industry, &c.— Grains, flax, tobacco, and garden 
vegetables are extensively cultivated. Horticulture is skill¬ 
fully conducted, and tulips and other flowering roots receive 
great attention. Rabbits abound, as well as water-fowl, and 
reptiles in the marshes. Storks are common, building on 
the houses, and being almost reverenced by the inhabitants. 
Fish are numerous along the coasts. Cattle and horses are 
excellent. Butter and cheese form articles of extensive com¬ 
merce. Fisheries, including the whale fishery, are an im¬ 
portant source of revenue. The manufacturing industry is 
active, producing linen, velvets, paper, woolens, silks, leather, 
cotton, gin or Geneva, (fee. The country is swept by high 
winds, which has led to the general use of windmills for 



View in Holland. 


motive power. The surface presents an immense net-work 
of canals ; one of them 50 miles long, 125 feet wide, and 
21 feet deep. The roads, always formed on the dikes and 
bordered by canals, are excellent. There are several im¬ 
portant railroads. 

4. Inhabitants. —The Hollanders, or Dutch, occupy 
the country of the ancient Frisi and Batavi. The majority 
are Protestants, most of whom belong to the Reformed 
Dutch Church. There are many Roman Catholics and 
Jews. The people are distinguished for frugality, neatness, 
and industry. They are of a cold temperament, but when 
roused, have as much ardor as any people. They are grave 
and heavy in appearance, and are of a domestic and quiet 
disposition. They prefer gain to glory; but are still 
honest in their dealings. They are slow in their movements ; 
and “ Dutch speed ” is an ironical proverb. Dancing is a 
common amusement. Skating is followed by both sexes in 
winter. The language of the country is a German dialect, 
called Low Dutch. 

5. Government, &c.— This is a constitutional monar- 

terdam ? Ilelder ? Where is the Hague ? The Island of Texel ? 

XjESSON CVIII. 1.. Characteristics ? Z. Face of the country ? 









































DENMARK. 


229 


chy, the king residing at the Hague. The standing army 
is fourteen regiments, two squadrons of cavalry, and three 
battalions of artillery. The navy consists of 105 vessels. 
Tlie public revenue is ^30,000,000 ; the debt, 6500,000,000. 
The colonies of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Celebes, Moluccas, 
and other Asiatic islands, with Surinam and Curaqoa in 
America, and settlements on the Guinea coast in Africa, com¬ 
prise a territory of 600,000 square miles, and 27,000,000 
of people. Education is well conducted and generally dif¬ 
fused. Tliere are tliree respectable universities. 

6. Political Divisions.—These are as follows :— 

Pro/incea. Population. Chief Cities. Population. 

North Brab.int. 392,203 .Bois le Due. 14,500 

Gelderlantl . 308,S55 .Arnlieiin. 16,756 

North Holland. 5.58.946 .Amsterdam. 207,349 

South Hollatid. 463,760 .Rotterdam. 74,000 

Zealand. 151,271 .Middleburg. 16,000 

Utrecht . 151,324 .Utrecht. 45,000 

Friesland. 24.5,013 .Leeuwardon. 21,956 

Overyssel . 212,707 .Zwolle. 16.950 

Groningen. 189.700 .Groningen. 31,000 

Drenthe. 84,013 .Assen. 1,100 

Dtichy of Limberg (part of 1 198,467 .Maestricht. 31,000 

Duchy of Luxemburg. 186,485 .Luxemburg. 11,000 

7. Towns.— Amsterdam, once the greatest commercial 
city in Europe, and still a large and important place, is cel¬ 
ebrated for its wealth, its state-house, built on thirteen thou¬ 
sand piles, and its canals, separating it into nearly a hun¬ 
dred islands. Rotterdam, on the Meuse, is next to Amster¬ 
dam in commercial importance. The Hague, the capital of 
Holland, is renowned for its beauty. Haarlem is famed for 
its stupendous organ of eight thousand pipes. 

8. Ilistory.—In the time of the Romans, Holland was in¬ 
habited chiefly by the Batavi and Frisii, the former of whom, 
after the conquest of Belgium by Julius Caesar, concluded 
an alliance with the Romans. This was after5vard silently 
changed into subjection to Rome. In the reign of Vitel- 
lius, the Batavians endeavored unsuccessfully to throw off the 
Roman yoke. In the second century their country was over¬ 
run by the Saxons ; in the eighth it was conquered by 
Charles Martel; and it subsequently formed a part of the 
dominion of Charlemagne. From the tenth to the fourteenth 
century, the Netherlands were divided into many petty sov¬ 
ereignties, under the Dukes of Brabant, the Counts of Hol¬ 
land and Flanders, <fec. In 1388, however, by marriages 
and otherwise, the whole, with the Belgian provinces, passed 
into the hands of the Duke of Burgundy ; thence to the 
House of Austria ; and finally, in 1548, under the rule of 
the Emperor Charles V., king of Spain. The union with 
the latter country was a most unfortunate event for Holland. 
The Dutch had long been in the enjoyment of many polit¬ 
ical rights and privileges. They had extensive fisheries and 
trade; and they had for the most part embraced the doc¬ 
trines of the early reformers. Philip II., who regarded the 
privileges enjoyed by the Dutch as usurpations on his own 
prerogative, and who detested the reformed faith, resolved 
to recover the former, and to suppress or extirpate the lat¬ 
ter. To accomplish this purpose, he sent, in 1567, Ferdi¬ 
nand de Toledo, Duke of Alva, with a powerful army into 
the Low Countries. But the proscriptions and massacres 
with which this sanguinary though able soldier filled the 
country, failed of their object. The Dutch, instead of being 
subdued, were driven into open rebellion. The malcontents 
captured the Briel in 1572, and after a struggle unequaled 
for duration, for the sacrifices it imposed on the weaker 

3. Industry, dec. ? 4. Inhabitants ? 5. Government ? 6. Political 

divisions ? 7. Towns ? 8. History ? 

Exercises on the Map (.see p. 220 ).—Bmndnries of Den- 


party, and for the importance of its results, the indepen¬ 
dence of the republic—styled the Seven Provinces —was 
acknowledged by Spain in 1609. Except that it was occa¬ 
sionally darkened by internal feuds, the half century that 
succeeded this event is the brightest in the Dutch annals. 
The commerce of Holland attained to an unrivaled magni¬ 
tude ; and while slie extended her colonies and conquests 
over some of the most valuable provinces in the East and 
West Indies, she successfully resisted the attacks of Louis 
XIV., contended with England for the empire of the sea, 
and was justly regarded as one of the bulwarks of the Pro¬ 
testant faith. From the death of Louis XIV. down to the 
French revolution, the influence of Holland gradually de¬ 
clined, not so much from any decay of her own resources, 
as from the growth of commerce and manufactures in other 
states, especially in England. The policy of Holland had 
long been peaceful; but that could not protect her from 
being overrun by revolutionary France. In 1806, she was 
erected into a kingdom for Louis, a brother of Napoleon; 
and on the do5vnfall of the latter, she was united with Bel¬ 
gium, and formed into a kingdom under the family of Or¬ 
ange, the founders of her liberties. But the union 5vas never 
cordial. The Dutch and Belgians are, in fact, dissimilar in 
their religion, character, and pursuits ; and the connection 
between them was dissolved by the revolt of the Belgians 
soon after the French revolution of 1830. Holland has 
now nearly the same limits as before her occupation by the 
French in 1795. In 1840, the king, William L, abdicated 
the throne in favor of his eldest son, William IL, who is still 
on the throne. 

Lesson CIX... Denmark. 

1. Characteristics. —Denmark is a small kingdom, 
lying at the entrance of the Baltic, and comprising the pen¬ 
insula of Jutland, with some contiguous islands, and the 
duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenhurg. 

2. Face of the Country, &c. —The coasts are 
greatly indented, and the country is perfectly flat—some 
parts being below the level of the sea, and defended by 
dikes. To the east, it rises gradually, the highest point 
being 500 feet. The Elbe makes the southern boundary. 
The river Eider, in connection with a canal, forms the 
boundary between Holstein and Schleswig, and opens a 
communication between the Baltic and the German Ocean. 
The climate is humid and cloudy, though mild for its lati¬ 
tude. The soil is alluvial, and excellent for pasturage. 
Marshes occupy one-third of the surface of the peninsula. 

3. Islands, &c. — Seeland, or Zealand, is the largest 
and the most important of the Danish islands—its extent 
being 2675 square miles. Copenhagen is on the east side. 
Funen contains 1123 square miles. Laland, or Lolland, 
one of the most fertile of the Danish islands, contains 462 
square miles. The peninsula of Jutland, including the 
duchies, is about 350 miles long. 

4. Industry. —Agriculture has been greatly improved 

of late. The grains are extensively cultivated. Cattle and | 
horses are reared on a great scale. Game and fish are 
abundant. The mineral products are insignificant. There 
being no coal and no 5vater-po5ver, the manufactures are 

mark? Capital ? What sea to the east ? To the west ? Where is 
the Island of Funen? Laland? 

LESSON CIX. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Face of the coun- 



































































DENMARK. 


230 




Swedish Peasants. 


inconsiderable. There is an important line of railroads, 
besides many extensive canals. The commerce has lately 
improved, and is now considerable. 

5. Oovcrajment, &€.—The Danish government, ex¬ 
clusive of the Ducliy of Lauenburg, Avas an absolute mon¬ 
archy till 1834, Avhen a national representation was estab¬ 
lished. As duke of Holstein and Lauenburg, the king was 
a member of the Germanic Confederation, with three full 
votes in the Diet. The population is divided into three 
classes—nobles, citizens, and peasants. The state religion 
is Lutheran, and the king is head of the church ; but all 
sects are tolerated. The University of Copenhagen has a 
hitrh rank ; elementary education is widely diffused. The 
military force is about 25,000 men. The navy comprises 
thirty vessels. The colonies of Denmark- are important. 
Among them are Iceland and Greenland, described under 
America; the Faroe Islands, northwest of the Orkneys, 
twenty-two in number, and seventeen inhabited ; several 
small islands in the West Indies ; with establishments upon 
the coast of Guinea and Hindustan. 

6. Towns, Inhabitants, &c.— The Danes are of a 
light complexion; fond of beer, brandy, and tobacco; 
brave in defence of their country ; with a general basis of 
good faith and honesty. They are nPt, however, a cheerful 
people. The women are fond of flaring colors in their 
dress. The language is allied to the Swedish and Nor¬ 
wegian. Co'pmhagen, the metropolis, and the residence of 
the court, has an extensive commerce, and is one of the 
finest cities in the northern part of Europe. Elsinore, sit¬ 
uated at a narrow passage of the sea, is known as the place 
where all ships which trade to the Baltic are obliged to 
pay a heavy toll. The money received here pays a large 

'portion of the expenses of the Danish government. 

7. History. — Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were 
ancienth'^ called Scandinavia, and were the nurseries of 
many of those fierce barbarians who either conquered or 
harassed the British islands and the coasts of France and 
Spain for several centuries. From this quarter came the 
Saxons, Angles, Jutes, and other German tribes, who estab¬ 
lished the Saxon dominion in England. A century before 
the Christian era, the inhabitants of the peninsula of Jut¬ 


land Avere knoAvn to the Romans by the name of the 
Cimhri. Under leaders called sea-kings, they made pirati¬ 
cal expeditions against the more southern countries of 
Europe, robbing and plundering Avithout mercy. In the 
Middle Ages, these people, Avith the Swedes and NorAvegi- 
ans, were called Normans, or Northmen. They conquered 
Normandy, in France, peopled the Faroe Islands, the Ork¬ 
neys, Shetland, and Iceland, and carried their arms into 
the south of Europe. Canute, king of Denmark, con¬ 
quered, in the eleventh century, the Avhole of Norway, and 
nearly all England and Scotland. The religion of the 
Scandinavians was a Avild mythology—the chief deity being 
called Odin, or Woden. He seems to have been Avorshiped 
as the god of Avar, and thus their religion inspired the 
people with a loA-e of Avarlike achievements. The Scandi¬ 
navian or old Norse literatui-e belongs to that early period 
when the Northmen Avere still idolaters. It consists, to a 
considerable extent, of sagas, or songs, Avhich celebrate the 
deeds of their gods and heroes. The ancient alphabet of 
Scandinavia is called Runic —that is “ hidden because the 
priests, Avho used it in Avriting, held it as a mystery. It con¬ 
sisted of sixteen letters, and is supposed to liaA^e been de¬ 
rived from the Phoenicians. Under Canute, Christianity was 
introduced into Denmark, and the progress of civilization be¬ 
gan. But the most brilliant era Avas the reign of Margaret, 
surnamed the Northern Semiramis, who effected the Union 
of Calmar, Avhich placed on her bead the croAvn of Den¬ 
mark, Noi’Avay, and SAveden, in the fourteenth century. 
SAveden, boAvever, shook off the Danish yoke in the six¬ 
teenth century ; but Norway Avas retained till 1815, Avhen 
it Avas ceded to SAveden, under the dictation of the Congress 
of Vienna. The Duchies of Holstein, Schleswig, (mA Lau¬ 
enburg became dependencies of Denmark, under Christian 
I., in 1459. The former of these Avas a primitive seat of 
the Saxons. Holstein and Lauenburg belonged to the Ger¬ 
manic Confederation, and gave the King of Denmark three 
votes in the Diet, as already stated. In 1848, Holstein 
and SchlesAvig revolted, and a bloody Avar ensued, Avhich is 
not yet terminated^ The marriage of the king, Frederick 
IL, to a milliner, in 1850, caused much excitement through¬ 
out the Danish kingdom. 


tri), d'c. ? 3. Islands, <tc. ? 4. Industry ? 


5. Government, dc.? 


6. Towns, inhabitants, dc. ? 


7. History ? 


What of the Northmen I 


) 























































UorOx 

iniU11111 ♦ M *4 


ill® 




Sflloi'ir 




Jacobi 


0&‘’S‘*' 


ir.iiRTuibxirj 


]// 

Talilir,ii ' ~‘ 

vGcft'i^ .VlatfiT’ 1. 


^ /rhc^sa^-^?' 


^'- 

iltyhoiitnrf JOoi/o. 

3.// '^u': 

‘Villi'■■> 


art/^C'^en ■ 

,„. ” lJVe,sf<J)-’ 

>PlJlo*»^ ■( \ 

7f. 

^alinar. l/J 
lyistadt (?/'•' 


flirfa. 


:S'"’' 


Miiitir 


fi '(riia-<l 


.{iTLiliaTJL 


•ywi'iiu^t: 


'j(nn/ 2 t. 


ilUJoigsTjui'i 


'NVilna 


Dantzl^ 


y fcuipc 


NORWAY, SWEDEN, AND LAPLAND. 


231 


Extent of- SAvedeii, 170,715 square miles.—Population, 3,511,200. 


T.OII.W. p Lon.. E. ^l\-o]u Grt^eirwiclL 

ORWAY, SWEDEN 

^nD 

DENMARK. - 

lofro'a,.^, 

/ Wsi 


N 








AM' 


.-Atins" 


JiOVlILOiLilO, 


Extent of Denmark, 21,615 square miles.—Population, 2,279, 


Lesson CX...Nor¬ 
way, Sweden, and 
Lapland. 

1. Characteris¬ 
tics. — Sivcden, Nor¬ 
way, and Lapland are 
cold, rugged countries, 
thinly inhabited. 

2, Sweden. — Al¬ 
though bounded on the 
west and north by 
mountains, Sweden is a 
level country, with nu¬ 
merous lakes and rivers. 

It is generally barren ; 
the southern parts are 
the most fertile. A 
great part of the coun¬ 
try is covered with pine 
forests, and is unfit for 
cultivation. From these 
forests the people ob¬ 
tain timber, pitch, tar, 
and turpentine, for ex¬ 
portation. Sweden has 
also valuable mines of 
iron and copper. Large 
amounts of the former 
are exported to the U. 

States. Liberal views 
prevail, in respect to 
education. Sweden is 
divided into three gener¬ 
al divisions— Gothland, 

Siveden Proper, and 
Norrland. In religion, 
the people are Luther¬ 
an. The government is 
a limited monarchy, and 

is mildly administered. __ 

Stockholm, the capital, 

is built upon hills, between seven small rocky islands and two 
peninsulas. Its situation is very romantic. The palace of 
the king is 
one of the 
most beauti¬ 
ful in Europe. 

Gottenhurg 
has an exten¬ 
sive trade. 

The Swedes 

DrC dGSCrib6<*l istockkohn^ ike Capital of !Sicedcn, 

as possessing light flaxen hair, and a ruddy countenance, 
with faces expressive of good humor. It is their custom 
to celebrate, with dancing and other ceremonies, the first 
of May, in token of their joy at the return of spring. They 
are remarkably neat and clean in their habits. History. — 

The first inhabitants of Sweden, which, with Norway, was 
then called Scandinavia, appear to have been Finns, who 

Hzercises on the Map.— Boundaries of Sweden ? Extent ? merfest ? Bergen ? The Loffoden Isles ? Where is Lapfayid ? 
Population? Capital? What sea and gulf to the east ? Boundaries \ LESSON CX. 1. Characteristics? 2. Sweden? What of 
of Norway ? Extent? Population? Capital? Where is Ham-\ Stockholm ? Gottenhurg? 3. Norway? 4. Lapland? 


were expelled, at an early period, by a tribe of the Teu- 
tones. It long remained in the darkness of paganism. 
Various forms of government existed there at different 
periods. It remained independent till subjugated by Mar¬ 
garet of Denmark, and by her united to that country, by 
an act called the “ Union of Calmar,” in 1397. The Swedes, 
hoAvever, revolted in 1520, under Gustavus Vasa, and the 
Danes were expelled from the country. Gustavus Adol- 
X>hus, about a century later, distinguished himself in his 
campaigns in defense of the Reformed religion. Charles 
XII., who came to the throne in 1697, was one of the most 
renowned warriors of the age. In 1814, Norway was 
united to Sweden, and still continues so. Of late years, 
the kingdom has been uniformly advancing in prosperity. 

3. Norway was attached to Denmark from 1380 to 
1814. At this date, it became a part of the Swedish do¬ 
minions, but it has a government and laws of its own, -which 
regulate its internal affairs. It is the most mountainous 
















































232 RUSSIA IN EUROPE, 


country in Europe, except Switzerland. Some of the Dofra- 
Jield mountains are covered with perpetual snow. The soil 
is, in general, barren and unsusceptible of cultivation, and the 
country has a dreary aspect. The climate is subject* to 
great extremes. In winter, the cold is excessive; in sum¬ 
mer, the heat is intense. On the sea-coast, it is much 
milder. The chief resources of the people are in their 
fisheries, their mines of iron, copper, and silver, and in their 
herds of cattle. The country abounds in rivers, which rush 
from the mountains with the rapidity of torrents. Near the 
coast, in the North Sea, is a terrific whirlpool, called the 
Maelstrom, which sometimes draws in ships, and dashes 
them on the rocks beneath. Whales and other animals 
are often forced into it. The Norwegians are tolerably 
well instiucted in most branches of common education. 
Their religion is of the Lutheran persuasion. Christiania is 
the chief city. Bergen is the capital, and has a good har- 



Bergen, in jrorway 


bor, with considerable commerce. The peasants live in 
huts of earth, covered over with grass, which gives them 
the appearance of hillocks. The interior is, however, com¬ 
fortable and well provided. The people make their own 
articles of clothing. They are frank, brave, and independent. 
History. —Little is known of the history of Norway till the 
tenth century, at which time it was divided into a number 
of petty sovereignties. About 940, a Norwegian chief, 
named Harold Harfagre, after a severe contest, formed these 
various principalities into one kingdom. Canute the Great, 
of England, conquered Norway about 1030, but it resumed 
its independence soon after. In 1397, the three kingdoms 
of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were united under one 
sovereign. In 1814, Norway was transferred to the King 
of Sweden, though much against the will of the inhabitants. 

4. Lapland is the coldest and most desolate country 
in Europe. The eastern portion is nominally the territory 
of Russia. The western belongs to Norway, and the south¬ 
ern to Sweden; but such is the rigor of the climate, the ster¬ 
ility of the soil, the poverty and fewness of the people, that 
they are almost left to themselves, without the interference 
of government. Their countr}’ is rough, mountainous, and 
dreary. Vegetation is scanty, and agriculture is biit little 
attended to. Grain is produced with difficulty. The rein¬ 
deer is the chief support of the inhabitants. They employ 
it for drawing their sledges, feed on its flesh and milk, use 
its skin for clothincr, and its sinews for twine and thread. 

El^ercises on the Map (see p. 176). —Boundaries of Russia in 
Europe? What sea at the west? At the south? At the north? 

Where are the Ural Mountains ? Where is St. Petersburg ? Mos- 


The Laplanders are of the same race as the Greenlanders, 
and live, in a similar manner, in small villages, thinly scat¬ 
tered over the country. Their huts are built of stones and 
sods, and resemble a baker’s oven in shape. A hole in the 
top serves both for window and chimney. The people are 
superstitious and ignorant, yet peculiarly attached to their 
country. History. —When the Laplanders were first known 
to the rest of the world, they were independent. In the 
thirteenth century, they became subject to the King of Nor¬ 
way. The Swedes and Russians next invaded the territory, 
and at present the country is subject to the governments of 
Sweden and Russia, 

Lesson CXI... Russia in Europe. 

1. Characteristics. —Russia is remarkable as being 
the most extensive empire in the world, having large pos¬ 
sessions in Europe, Asia, and America. 

2. ITIouiitaiiis. —The Ural Mountains form the bound¬ 
ary between Europe and Asia, and bound Russia on the 
east. They consist of a chain 1200 miles in length, extend¬ 
ing from the Frozen Ocean, south, nearly to the Caspian 
Sea. The Caucasus Range is at the southeast, and the 
mountains of the Crimea at the south. There is not a single 
mountain throughout the whole extent of Russia in Europe, 
which may be described as a vast plain, inclosed by various 
mountain ranges. 

3. Rivers. —The riv^ers of Russia are the largest in 
Europe. The Ural rises in the eastern declivity of the 
Ural Mountains, and, after a course of 1300 miles, empties 
its waters into the Caspian Sea. The Volga, the largest 
river in Europe, having a^course of 2500 miles, flows into 
the Caspian by seventy mouths. It is navigated by more 
than five thousand boats, while its valuable fisheries afford 
employment to even a greater number of fishing craft. 
The Don, Dnieper, Dniester, Vistula, and Neva are large 
and important rivers. 

4. JLaRes, Islands, A:c. —There are numerous and 
extensive lakes in the north of Russia. Of these. Lake 
Ladoga is the principal, being one hundred and twenty 
miles long by seventy broad. The lakes are useful in the 
internal navigation of the empire. From some of them, 
salt is extensively made. There are numerous islands be¬ 
longing to the empire, the chief of which are Nova Zembla 
and Spitsbergen, already noticed. They are uninhabited by 
man, but abound in reindeer, ermine, seals, whales, <fec. 
They are much resorted to by fishermen and hunters. 

5. Products, Animals, minerals, Ac. —Russia 
produces all the plants found in the more central countries 
of Europe. More corn, rye, and barley are raised than is 
necessary for consumption, though agriculture is in a rude 
state. Hemp, flax, and tobacco are extensively cultivated. 
Grapes and wine are produced in the south. Black cattle 
and sheep are largely reared. The horses of the coun¬ 
try are capable of enduring great fatigue. Camels are used 
by various wandering tribes near the borders of Asia. The 
wild bull, reindeer, elk, wild hog, deer, and hare are found 
in the forests of the north. Geese and ducks abound in 
the lakes, and fish are plentiful in the rivers. The eastern 
part of Russia is rich in minerals. There are mines of gold, 

cow ? Deseribe the Volga; Bon; Bwina; other principal rivers, 

LESSON CXI. "1.. Charaeteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. Rivers? 
4. Lakes, islands, Ae.? 5. Products, animals, minerals, d'c. 






























RUSSIA IN EUROPE. 


platina, and copper in the Ural Mountains, though princi- 
[ pally on the Asiatic side. There is no silver in European 
1 Russia. Coal-beds were discovered near Moscow, in 1844. 
i 0. C’limato, Soil, &c. — From its vast extent, Russia 
I has a great diversity of climate. In the extreme north, the 

j temperature is always below the freezing point, and the 

I surface of the country continually frozen. In the interior, 

I it is milder, and south and west winds prevail. The coun- 

I try is generally level, and consists chiefly of immense plains, 

partly covered with forests. The soil comprises every va- 
I riety, and much of it is unfit for cultivation. To the north 

is an immense region, which is a swamp in summer, and 
covered Avith ice during nine months of the year. It pro¬ 
duces only moss. The southern region is more fertile, and 
aftbrds much good pasturage. 

V. Political Divisions. —Russia is divided into six 
! geographical sections, as follows, each being subdivided into 


-numerous circles : 



Sectiona. 

Baltic Provinces.. 

Great Russia. 

Chief Towne. 

Population. 

.445.225 

.340.562 



. 444133 

South Russia. 

AA’’esl Russia. 

Polish Russia.. 




j Besides these, Russia possesses the Caucasian countries and 
i Siberia, in Asia, Avhich will be described under that head. 

{ Russian America has been already noticed, 
j 8. Imlustry*—The agriculture of Russia is, as we have 
stated, imperfect, though immense quantities of grain are 
annually produced. The raising of cattle is the chief object 
of the husbandman. The commerce of the country is very 
extensive. Corn, hemp, tallow, hides, furs, timber, pitch, 

I and copper are largely exported. The staple manufcxctures 
j are woolens, silks, cottons, metal wares, soap, and candles; 

I besides which, the manufactures of glass, paper, porcelain, 

! jewelry, morocco, &c., rival the products of the bpst Euro- 
I pean establishments. The mining districts of the Ural pre¬ 
sent a scene of great activity. Forests are cleared, marshes 
drained, and the gorges of mountains are filled with artificial 
lakes, water being the chief moving power. 

9. Canals and Railroads. —The commerce of Rus¬ 
sia is greatly facilitated by its vast and excellent system of 
canals. By means of these, the Baltic and the White Seas 
communicate with the Caspian and Black Seas, and the 
lakes and principal rivers are united into a complete system 
of internal navigation. Attention is given to internal im- 
i provements by constructing railroads; those completed in 
I 1851 are, from St. Petersburg to Moscow, and from Warsaw 
i to Kosel, where it joins the Austrian and German lines. 

! 10. Government. —The government of Russia is a 

stern despotism, but it is conducted with vigor, and its mili¬ 
tary power is great. The chief is called Czar, or Emperor. 
There is no parliament, and the senate of sixty-two mem¬ 
bers merely registers and promulgates the ukases or decrees 
of the Czar. The army of Russia consists of about 700,000 
i men, but is capable of almost indefinite increase. The 
I established religion is the Greek Catholic. The mass of the 
I people are serfs, bought and sold with the soil. They con¬ 
sist of Lapps, Samoiedes, gipsies, Jews, and Cossacks. To 
these Ave must add 3,000,000 Finns. TAvo-thirds of the 
entire population are of the Slavonic stock. The Cossacks 
are famous horsemen, and are a branch of the Tartars of 
Asia, living upon the river Don. The Bashkirs are numer- 

1 mate, soil, d'c. f 1. Political divisions ? 8. Industry ? 9. Canals and 

I railroads ? 10. Government ? 11. Chief towns ? St. Petersburg ? 

! 30 


233 

ous along the borders of Siberia. The lanoruasce of Russia 
IS formed upon the Slavonic. At least 10,000 works have 
been printed in it, and it is spoken by about forty millions. 

The great body of the people are ignorant and degraded. 

The nobles are Avealthy, and some have five hundred retainers 
in their palaces. The general spirit of the nobility is de¬ 
spotic, and that of the people slavish and cringing. The 
punishments inflicted by government are barbarous. The 
exile of political ofienders to Siberia is a peculiar feature in 
this harsh policy. 

11. Chief Towns. — St. Petersburg, built by order of 
Peter the Great, is the seat of the court. It surpasses ! 
every other city in Europe for the general splendor of its 
streets and edifices. Moscow, the ancient capital, Avas burnt 

in 1812, by the Russians, to preA'ent its being an asylum 
for Bonaparte and his army, Avho had invaded the country. 

It has now recoA'ered from this conflagration. There are i 
many other large and important cities in this country. 

12. History. —The ancients had very little acquaintance 
Avith the A’ast country included in the Empire of Russia. 

It forms a portion of what Avas called Sarmatia. Its first 
inhabitants appear to have been Avandering tribes of Tar¬ 
tars, of the Slavonic race. These constitute the basis of the 
present Russian nation. The monarchy is usually regarded 
as having been founded by Ruric, a Norman pirate, about the 
year 862, his dominions comprising Novgorod and the sur¬ 
rounding country. ToAV'ard the close of the tenth century, 
Christianity Avas introduced; but from this period doAvn to 
1237, when the country Avas overrun by the Tartars, Russia 
Avas the scene of civil war. In 1328, the seat of government ! 

was transferred to Moscoav ; and in 1481, the Tartars were j 

finally expelled. In 1613, the house of Romanoff, which still 
keeps possession of the throne, acquired the supreme author¬ 
ity, and the poAver of Russia began to be felt and feared by 

all her neighbors. In 1696, Peter the Great ascended the 
throne, and the destinies of Russia and the north of Europe 
were immediately changed. He conquered large provinces 
in the Baltic, laid the foundation of the city Avhich bears his 
name, caused a fleet to be built, and introduced among the 
people the arts, literature, and laAV’s of the more ciA'ilized 
European nations. From this period, Russia has continu¬ 
ally adA^anced in poAver. The attempt of Napoleon to dic¬ 
tate a peace to the Emperor Alexander, led to the OA'er- 
throAV of his colossal power, and gave a great increase of 
influence to Russia, which has been maintained and extended 
under Nicholas, the present emperor. 

13. Finland was an independent country till the 
twelfth century, Avhen it was conquered by the Swedes, Avho 
introduced Christianity. A portion of it Avas conquered 
and annexed to Russia by Peter the Great. The remainder 
became part of the Russian dominions in 1809. The Crimea 
is a rich peninsula in the Black Sea, called Taurida by the 
ancient Greeks. It was formerly the seat of a small kingdom. 

In 1783, it was ceded to Russia by the Turks. The Ukraine 
Avas an ancient division, of Avhich Kiev Avas the capital. 

14. Poland. —This country was once an independent 
and poAverful kingdom. In the year 1794, provoked by 
repeated interferences on the part of Russia and Austria, 
the Poles, headed by Kosciusko, rose in rebellion. They 
were entirely defeated, and their territory was dismembered 
the ensuing year. Russia took much the larger share, and 
Poland was finally obliterated from the map of Europe. 

Moscow? 12. History? Ruric? Peter the Great ? I.Z. Finland? 

The Crimea ? The Ukraine ? 14. Poland ? What of Kosciusko ? 









































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AFEICA. 


235 


Lesson CXII... Africa. 

1. Characteristics. —Africa is remarkable for its burn¬ 
ing climate, its singular animals, and its peculiar race of in¬ 
habitants. 


2. Mountains.— HhQ ^Atlus range, in Barbary, the 
Mountains of the Moon, in central Africa, and the Lajmta 
range, on the southeastern coast, are the principal chains. 
There are other mountains in different parts. The loftiest 
elevations are noticed in the following table:— 

o 


Numei. Hi^hl in feet. 

Atlae, Morocco. 12,800 

-, Algiers. 8,900 

Abyssinian. 14,700 

Teueriffe Island. 11,900 

Island of Bourbon. 12,500 


Ndmee. Hifht in feel. 

Cape of Good Hope. 10,200 

Cape Verde. 7,900 

Madaga-scar Island. 11,500 

Mauritius, Peter Botte. 3,7C4 


3. B>cserts, Plains, &c. —The most striking physical 
feature of Africa is the Desert of Sahara, an immense ster¬ 
ile region stretching across the northern portion of the 
continent, and occupying nearly one-fourth part of its whole 
surface. The interior of Africa, south of the Mountains of 
the Moon, bearing the general name of Ethiopia, is supposed 
to be a continuous desert of arid rocks and shifting sands. 
There are also several other smaller deserts. 


4. Rivers —The principal rivers are the Nile and the 
Niger. The fi. ’lowing table exhibits the length of these 
and of others :— 


Naines. 

Nile. 

Niger.... 
Senegal.. 


Length in mile,. 

. 2,400 

. 2,300 

. 850 


Names. Length in miles. 

Congo, or Zaire. 1,400 

Orange. 1,050 

Zambeze. 950 


5. IdUlces.—The only known lakes of importance are 
Lake Tchad, in the interior of Nigritia; Lake Dembea, in 
Abyssinia; and Lake Loudieh, in Tunis, which appears to 
be connected with Lake Melgig, in Algeria ; of Lake Ny- 
assi, or Muravi, west of Zunguebar, little is knowm, except 
its great size. 

6. Coasts, Islands, &c. —Africa consists of a vast 


peninsula, wdth no bays setting deep into its sides, and no 
rivers navigable to any great extent. For these reasons, it 
has been less accessible to discovery than the other divisions 
of the earth ; and hence large masses of its territory remain 
unexplored. The principal islands are exhibited in the table 
of political divisions. 

7. Vegetable Products. —Africa presents the most 
striking contrasts in its vegetable products. A great part of 
tlie surface consists of arid deserts; but in the vicinity of 
these, there are countries covered with the richest verdure. 
Wherever the la.nd is watered, vegetation is characterized 
by the utmost vigor and magnificence. The baobab, the 
giant of the vegetable world, the teak, cocoa-nut, date, palm, 
orange, citron, olive, papyrus, coffee and sugar, cotton and 
indigo, are produced. 

8. Minerals.— These com- rise gold-dust, diamonds, 
iron, copper, silver, lead, and .n. 

9. Climate, dtc.— Owing to the position of Africa, the 
greater part of it Iving in the torrid zone, and to the extent 
of its arid plains, its climate is excessive, and the temperature 
higher than in any other country in the world. The burn¬ 



ing winds called khamseen in Egypt and Barbary, and har- 

mattan in Guinea, often blast 
the vegetation, and destroy 
animal life. The soil is vari¬ 
ous ; vast tracts consisting of 
barren sands, and other portions 
being exceedingly fertile. 

10. Animals.— The gi¬ 
raffe, the tallest of animals ; the 
hippopotamus, an enormous 
beast, resembling a hog ; the 
chimpanzee, a large ape, formed 
more like man than any other 
creature ; the zebra and quag- 
ga, beautifully striped, and re¬ 
sembling the horse ; the gnu, 
or horned horse—are all pecu¬ 
liar to Africa. This country 
also, in common with Asia, has 
troops of elephants, herds of 
wild deer, the rhinoceros, hy¬ 
ena, ostrich, crocodile, and ser¬ 
pents of enormous size. The 
termites, or white ants, swarm 
in the tropical regions, and build 
their hills to the hirrht of twelve 
feet; the interior displaying 
bridges, archways, and pas¬ 
sages, most ingeniously con¬ 
trived. The sociable w'eavers, 
a small kind of bird, associate 
together, and build a common 
nest on a tree, shaped like an 
umbrella, in which several hun- 
Animais of jifrica. drcds livc together. 

11. Political Divisions.— The following are the po¬ 
litical divisions of Africa :— 


Names. 


Northern Africa. 

Morocco. 

Alters. 

Tunis. 

Tripoli and Barca.... 

Great Desert. 

E(?ypt.... 

Nubia, Dongola &c. 

Western Africa. 

Penegambia. 

Sierra Leoiio. 

Liberia. 

Guinea. 

Cimbebas • •. 

Central Africa. 

Soudan. 

Ethiojna. 

Southern Africa. 
Country of llotlentots 

Bush mums. 

Cape Colony. 

Caffraria. . 


Extent. 

Pop. 

Names. 

220,000 

500.000 

72,(M)0 

200,000 

2,500.000 

180,000 

375,000 

8,500,000 

2,808.880 

2.5(K).000 

1,800,000 

2,895,000 

Eastern Africa. 

Mozambique. 

Ziinguebar... 

Country of Souraalies 

Abyssinia. 

Kordofan, Darfur.... 
Bergoo, Donga. 

Islands. 

Atlantic Ocean. 

Azores. 

.Mndeiras. 

— 

60,000 

80,000 



Canaries . . 



Cape Verde. 

St. Helena. 

•Ascension. 



Indian Ocean. 
.Mad.agascar. 






110,000 

179,709 

Seychelle. 

Bourbon. 


Extent. 

Pop. 





35,000 


4,000,000 




250,000 

100,000 

2:10,000 

50,000 

;i,ooo 

200 

3,256 

1,700 

50 

48 

200,000 

1,000 

150 

300,000 

5.000 

100,000 

50 

100,000 


12. Inliabitants, &c. —The population of Africa con- 


Exercises on the Map.— Between what grand divisions is the 
Mediterranean Sea ? The Red Sea ? Where is Barbary ? What four 
cities in Barbary ? Where is Sahara, or the Great Desert ? Egypt f 
Nubia ? Seuegambia ? Sierra Leone ? Liberia ? Guinea ? Soudan ? 
Ethiopia? Cape Town? Caffraria? Mozambique? Cazenibe? 
Zanguebar? Abyssinia? Where are the Mountains of the Moon? 


Direction of the following places from Algiers: Cairo; Timbuc- 
too ; Sierra Leone; Jerusalem; Mecca? Describe the River Nile; 
Niger; Senegal; Congo; Orange; Zambeze. 

iiESSON CXII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Mountains? 3. 
Deserts, plains, Ac. ? 4. Rivers? 5. Lakes? 6. Coasts, islands, 
Ac. ? 7. Vegetable productions ? 8. Minerals ? ^9. Climate, Ac. f 












































































































236 


NORTHERN AFRICA. 



sists chiefly of Moors, wlio occupy the Barbary States; 
j Arabs, who inhabit the Great Desert and its borders ; Ne- 
1 groes, who are spread over the middle and southern portions ; 

and Caffres and mixed races, who occup)'^ the southeastern 
I border. There are also many tribes scattered here and there, 

I which partake more or less of these several races. Nearly all 
; the governments are despotic. The Moors, Arabs, and many 
I of the negroes, are Mohammedans. Agriculture is in a de- 
I pressed state. There are few manuflictures, and commerce is 
almost unknown, except along the Mediterranean. Gold-dust, 

I slaves, and ivory are the chief objects of trade to Europeans. 

1 Society is every where in a barbarous or savage state. 

I 13. History. —Though Africa gave birth to many arts 
j and sciences, yet in no part of the world are the mass of the 
I people so ignorant and degraded. Egypt, 3000 years ago, 
j was the chief seat of human learning, and thence civiliza- 
I tion spread over the world. Carthage, in Northern Africa, 
was distinguished for power and civilization, becoming for 
a time the competitor of ancient Rome. In the subsequent 
ages, even Egypt and other enlightened portions of the con- 
! tinent were buried in barbarism, from which they have 
not since emerged. In all ages, the Negro nations appear 
to have been nearly the same as now, without books or edu¬ 
cation, or enlightened institutions. 

14. Ancient Ocogfrapliy. —The ancients appear to 
have had very inadequate and erroneous notions respecting 
Africa. The name which is now given to the whole continent 
was restricted to a small territory, including Carthage and 
its vicinity. The ancients were only acquainted with the 


northern and eastern coast, and deemed it less extensive than 
Europe. The Carthaginians, it is supposed, circumnavigated 
Africa ; but no distinct idea of its geography seems to have 
been formed by them. Indeed, this division of the world in 
the early ages was a region of mystery, and continued so 
even down to the present century. It is within the last forty 
years that the sources of the Nile and Niger have been as¬ 
certained ; and even now, the great interior region called 
Ethiopia is an unknown land. A comparison of the ancient 
and modern map, annexed to this chapter, with a reference 
to the table of ancient and modern geographical names, 
at page 181, will give a distinct view of this subject. 

Lesson CXI 11... Northern Africa. 

1. Barbary States. —The four Barbary States, Mo¬ 
rocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, are bounded on the 
north by the Mediterranean, and on the south by the Great 
Desert. They enjoy a fine climate, and produce grain, oil, 
wine, sugar, cotton, and various fruits. Between the 
mountains and the desert is ' vast plain, so fruitful in dates 
as to be called Biledulgerid, or the Land of Dates. The 
Moors inhabit the cities, and the country in their immediate 
vicinity. They pass their time in a gloomy, secluded, and 
monotonous existence. They are strangers to social assem¬ 
blies and public amusements. The females are strictly se¬ 
cluded from general society, and are pei’initted to see no 
men except their husbands. The remoter districts of Bar- 


10. Animals? 11. Political Divisions? 12. Inhabitants, &c.? 
13. History ? 14. Ancient geography ? The Nile and Niger ? 


Exercises on the Map (see p. 234 ).—Describe the situation of 
the several Barbary States. Where are the Straits of Gibraltar ? 





















































































Dido approaching the Coast of Africa^ 


Dary are inhabited by the Arabs. They are a nomadic 
race, and dwell in a species of movable encampments, called 
douars. These are broad, low tents, resembling a ship bot¬ 
tom upward. Each douar is governed by a sheik, or chief, 
whose authority is more paternal than despotic. The dif¬ 
ferent communities are often animated by deadly feuds Avith 
each other, which lead to bloody wais. The mountains of 
the Atlas range are still occupied by the Berbers, the most 
ancient inhabitants of the country. 

2. Morocco is the most powerful of the Barbary 
States. . The government is a gloomy despotism, and the 
people are in a barbarous condition. Morocco, the capital, 
is situated in a fine plain, about twelve miles from the At¬ 
lantic, and is surrounded by a high Avail. Fez, Tangier, 
and Mogadore are noted places. 

3. Algiers has a charming climate and fruitful soil, and 
the people have more refinement than in the adjacent coun¬ 
tries. it Avas conquered by France in 1830, and is still 
held by that country, its present name being Algeria. The 
Arabs made a poAverful resistance to the French dominion, 
and Abd-el-Kader, their leader, distinguished himself in 
these Avars. He aa'us captured in 1847 ; since Avhich period, 
the country has been more submissive. Algiers, the capital, 
is a large town, strongly fortified. 

4. Tunis, &c. —Tunis is one of the most commercial of 
the Barbary states. The city of Tunis is the capital. 
Tripoli, including Barca and Fezzan, is paitly a desert, 
Avhile some portions are famed for fertility. The city of 
Tripoli has a good harbor, and its streets bear some resem¬ 
blance to those of European toAvns. Mourzouh, in Fezzan, 
Avhich is situated in an oasis in the midst of Sahara, is the 
great mart of the caravans between Cairo and Timbuctoo. 

5. History.— The country occupied by the Barbary 
States has been famous in history. It derives its name 
from the Berbers, Avho appear to have been the original in¬ 
habitants of the Atlas Mountains, their descendants still 
dwelling there. They are a vigorous race, Avith a pecu¬ 
liar language, living chiefly by pasturage, agriculture, and 
hunting. They have often descended upon the plains be- 

LESSON CXIII. 1. Barbary States ? 2. What of Morocco f 


low, carrying their inroads to the very gates of Morocco. 
They seem never to have mingled, to any great extent, with 
the bordering races. The present state of Morocco Avas 
anciently Mauritania ; Algiers, Numidia ; Barca, Libya. 
The ancient Romans conquered these territories, and they 
long continued subject to their empire. Tunis was the site 
of Carthage, the rival of imperial Rome. Some ruins of the 
ancient city are still to be found. It was founded by Dido, 
a Phoenician princess, in the year 846 B. C. The inhabitants 
Avei'e chiefly devoted to commerce, and their mariners not 
only visited eA^ery part of the Mediterranean, but the west¬ 
ern coasts of Europe, and the north and Avest of Africa. It 
is said that they circumnavigated the whole peninsula, and 
even reached the West India islands. The state rose to 
great Avealth and poAver, and, in three several Avars, con¬ 
tended Avith Rome during the period of its greatest pros¬ 
perity. It Avas at last conquered by the Romans in 146 
B. C., and sunk into insignificance. The present Moors are 
the descendants of the Saracens, who conquered the coun¬ 
try in the seventh century. The several Barbary States, 
in modern times, have been addicted to piracy ; but in 1804 
and 1812, they Avere chastised by American squadroms, and 
have since been compelled by other nations to give up their 
maritime robberies. 

6. Desert of Sahara.— This sea of sand extends from 
the Atlantic nearly to the shores of the Red Sea. It con¬ 
sists of a table-land raised a little above the level of the sea, 
covered Avith moving sand, and, here and there, containinof 
some rocky hights and A'alleys, Avhere the Avater collects, 
and nourishes a few thorny shrubs, ferns, and grass. The 
desert, hoAvev'er, has some fertile spots, called oases, in the 
largest of Avhich is Fezzan. The desert is crossed by com¬ 
panies called caravans, the people being generally mounted 
on camels. This animal, sometimes called the Shijy of the 
Desert, is able to bear the burning heat of these regions. ! 
Travelers in the desert are often beset by predatory tribes, j 
and sometimes are overwhelmed by the drifting sand, i 
There are several tribes of barbarous people found in dif- [ 
ferent parts of the desert. ! 

--- -- I 

3. Algiers? 4. Tunis, Ac.? 5. History? &. Desert of Sahara? j 


NORTHERN AFRICA. 




















































288 


EGYPT AND NUBIA. 




Lesson CXIV... Egypt and Nubia. 

1. Cliaractcristics. — Egypt, the cradle 

of the arts and sciences, and renowned in ancient 
history, is now chiefly celebrated for its won- 
derfnl ruins. • 

2. Rivers, Products, &c. —This famous 
country is a long and narrow strip of land, lying 
between two ranges of mountains, and traversed 
by the Ah7c. Tliis river rises among the mount¬ 
ains of Abyssinia, and, after a course of 2400 
miles, empties into the Mediterranean by seven 
channels. It seldom rains in Egypt, artd the* 
fertility of the country, which is truly wonder¬ 
ful, is occasioned by the annual inundations of 
the Nile, caused by the rains in the mountains 
around its sources. Sngar, corn, rice, cotton, 
indigo, and tobacco are the chief products. The 
waters of the Nile, during the period of inunda¬ 
tion, are collected in reservoirs, and afterward 
used for irrifjatino: the land. 

3. IiiEiabitaiits, &c. —The greater num¬ 
ber of the people are Arabs. The Uopts,, the 
descendants of the ancient Egyptians, form one- 
third part of the inhabitants. Besides these, 
there are some Jews and Turks ; the latter con¬ 
stituting the ruling people. Mohammedanism is 
the prevailing religion. 

4. Towms.— Cairo, the capital, is a splen¬ 
did city, ten miles in circuit. It has eighty 
public baths, and three hundred mosques; yet 
its streets, like those of all Mohammedan cities, 
are gloomy. Alexandria, founded by the con¬ 
queror whose name it bears, has lost most of 
its former splendor. 

5. CJoverniiient. — The government of 

Egypt is a stern despotism, but the late ruler, Mehemet 
Ali, conducted it with energy, and with a view to the im¬ 
provement of the country. 

6. Antiquities. —The splendid remains of antiquity in 
Egypt attest its former grandeur. The Pyramids, of which 
there are near a hundred, are the most stupendous works of 
man. The largest, at Ghizeh, near the Nile, covers eleven 
acres of ground, and is about five hundred feet high. Be¬ 
sides these, in various places there are majestic images, 
statues, and obelisks, with the colossal ruins of temples and 
cities, which excite the wonder and admiration of the be¬ 
holder. 

7. History. —The history of Egypt goes back to the 
early ages of the world. It is supposed to have been first 
settled by the descendants of Ham, led by Mizraim, some¬ 
times called Menes, 2188 B. C. Owing to the fertility of 
the soil, the inhabitants rapidly increased. Under the gui¬ 
dance of able statesmen, cities sprung up, and profound sys¬ 
tems of religion and policy were established. Even in the 
time of Abraham, Egypt had become noted for its wealth 
and splendor. In the time of Moses, about 1520 B. C., it 
had become the most learned and civilized portion of the 
globe, and continued so for many centuries afterward. It 
was conquered by the Persians in the year 529 B. C ; by 
Alexander, in 332 ; and by the Romans, 30 B. C. The last 


Length of Egypt, 600 miles. 







Width of Egypt, SOO miles. 


Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Egypt? Length? 
Width ? Extents Population ? What sea to the east ? What 
isthmus joins Egypt with Arabia ? Where is Cairo ? Alexandria ? 


of a long line of sovereigns, called Ptolemies, was Cleopatra, 
renowned alike for her beauty, her splendid court, and 
the romantic incidents of her life. The country passed un¬ 
der the yoke of the Byzantine Empire, and was wrested 
from them by the Saracens, C40 A. D. The Turks suc¬ 
ceeded to the dominion in 1517. It continued subject to 
the Turkish power till 1799, when it was conquered by the 
French, under Napoleon. It was restored in 1801, and in 
180G fell under the sway of Mehemet Ali, who ruled the 
country with energy and wisdom, and gave it independence 
as a separate kingdom, leaving the crown to his heirs. 

8. Nubia. —Nubia, formerly called Ethiopia, once the 
seat of populous and civilized nations, is now marked with 
barbarism and desolation. It is composed of rocky and sandy 
desei'ts, Avith small strips of fertile soil. It is situated al¬ 
most entirely in the valley of the Nile, and includes 
several small kingdoms, or provinces, as Dongola, Sen- 
naar, Eordufan, Darfur, &c. The climate is hot and . 
dry, but healthy. The products are barley, cotton, indigo, 
tobacco, coft’ee, senna, and dates. The people are barbar¬ 
ous, and the Arabs of the desert sometimes plunder such 
travelers as they meet. One of the most remarkable fea¬ 
tures of this country consists in the stupendous ruins of 
cities and temples, found in waste places, noAv frequented 
only by vultures, hyenas, jackals, and other wild animals. 

LESSON CXIV. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Rivers, products, Ac. ? 
3. Inhabitants, Ac. ? 4. Towns ? 5. Oo^ernment ? 6. Antiquities ? 

1. History? Q. Nubia? 



























































WESTERN AND CENTRAL AFRICA. 


239 



Pyramids, Sphynx, <tc., Restored. 


Nubia was anciently an independent and powerful kingdom, 
and, 800 B. C., conquered Egypt. Its history is, however, 
very obscure. A portion of the country belonged to the 
kingdom of Queen Candace, Avho is named in the New Tes¬ 
tament. At a later date, Nubia was governed by a num¬ 
ber of independent chiefs, till 1821, when it was conquered 
by Ibrahim Pasha. Since then, it has been under the do¬ 
minion of Egypt, 

Lesson CXV... Western Africa. 

1. Characteristics. —Western Africa, embracinof Sen- 
egambia, Ouinea, and Cimbehas, is a narrow strip of terri¬ 
tory on the Atlantic shore, about 4000 miles long. 

2. Senegamhia is an extensive region, inhabited 
mostly by Negroes, intermixed with Arabs and other Mo¬ 
hammedan tribes. It is watered by the Senegal and Gam¬ 
bia rivers, whence its name. The interior is mountainous ; 
the coast-lands are low and level. In natural products, it 
is one of the richest regions known; but the heat is in¬ 
tense, and the climate is extremely unhealthy for Europe¬ 
ans. In 1'787, the English founded here the settlements 
of Sierra Leone and Gambia, from whence they export 
teak-timber, camwood, palm-oil, ginger, and small quanti¬ 
ties of ivory, rice, and pepper. Sierra Leone was founded 
as a means of suppressing the slave-trade ; but this de¬ 
sign has been abandoned. The French settled along the 
banks of the Senegal in 1637. They export large quanti¬ 
ties of gum, wax, ivory, and gold-dust. The Portuguese 
have also some colonies here. Liberia is an independent 
Negro republic, established in 1821. The country has been 
purchased from time to time, by the American Colonization 
Society, as a refuge for free Negroes and liberated slaves. 
Its independence was recognized by the United States and 
Great Britain in 1848. Its climate has been improved by 
systematic drainage and clearance of woods. Palm-oil, ivory, 
gold-dust, ginger, and arrow-root are the principal products. 
Cocoa and sugar thrive, and it is expected that cotton will 

LESSON CXV. 1. Characteristics of Western Africa? 
2. Seneyambia? What of Sierra Leone ? Liberia? 3. Guinea? 


soon become an article of export. The population is esti¬ 
mated at 80,000 colored persons, of whom 10,000 are free 
blacks from the United States. Monrovia, the capital and 
seaport, has a population of 9000. On the Avhole, the 
establishment of Liberia is, thus far, a most successful ex¬ 
periment for the civilization of Western Africa, 

3. Giiisiea.—This country, divided into Upper ana 
Lower Guinea,, has an extent of about 2500 miles along the 
Atlantic. It is in general low, humid, and unhealthy, but 
very fertile. The chief rivers are the Niger, or Quorra, and 
Zaire. The forests contain vast numbers of elephants, lions, 
tigers, rhinoceri, monkeys, antelopes, and huge serpents. 
The chief products are gold-dust, pepper, cotton, and 
sugar-cane. The coasts from north to south are called 
Grain Coast, Ivory Coast, Gold Coast, Slave Coast, and 
Calabar Coast. The interior is divided into numerous 
native states, the chief of which are Ashantee, Dahomey, 
and Benin, in the north, and Loango, Congo, Angola, and 
Benguela, in the south. The Ashantees excel in several 
kinds of manufacture, and are courageous and intelligent; 
but they have been long subjected to a bloody despotism, 
whole multitudes being slaughtered at festivals and at 
royal funerals. Guinea was discovered by the Portuguese 
in 1487, and they have retained nominal possession of the 
southern districts. Here has been the chief mart for the 
obtaining of slaves. 

4. Cimbebas. —Of this region little is known, except 
that it is inhabited by a native tribe, who have given their 
name to the country. 

Lesson CXVL.. Central Africa. 

1. Divisions. —Central Africa embraces several coun¬ 
tries in the interior of the continent, south of the Great 
Desert: it has been only partially explored. 

2. Soudan, or Nig^ritia. —The limits of this vast 
region are undefined. The accounts furnished of it by 
travelers are extremely meager. The greater part of the 

What names are given to the coasts ? The Ashantees? 4. Cimbebas ? 

LESSON CXVI. 1. Divisions ? 2. Soudan ? 3. Ethiopia ? 




































240 


SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA. 



Caravan crossing the Desert. 


surface appears to be flat, except in the south, where it is 
said to be hilly. The soil is fertile, and is inhabited by 
various tribes of Negroes. Houssa, the most civilized state, 
produces cotton, tobacco, and indigo. Sackatoo is the cap¬ 
ital. Bornou, Bambarra, and Begharmi are leading states. 
Timbuctoo, now but little more than a village, on the verge 
of the desert, derives some importance from its being a 
station for the trade between Guinea, Senegambia, and 
Northern Africa, which is carried on upon an extensive 
scale across the desert. Timbuctoo was formerly a great 
mart of trade, and many attempts have been made by 
modern travelers to reach it. It is now ascertained to be 
sunk into comparative insignificance. The Romans appear 
to have had some vague knowledge of Central Africa, but 
it has continued inaccessible to travelers, till the successful 
attempt of Denham and Clapperton to explore the country 
in 1822. They reached Bornou, and were the first to make 
us acquainted with the existence of Lake Tchad. The 
present kingdoms of Soudan are of modern date, and afford 
nothing of particular interest in their history. Bergoo, 
Darfur, and Kordofan, to the east, are barbarous states, of 
which little is known. 

3. Ethiopia. —This vast region has hitherto proved 
inaccessible to Europeans. It is bounded on the north by 
the Mountains of the Moon, and is supposed to be an ele¬ 
vated tract, traversed by mountains and deserts, with few 
people, and abounding in various wild animals. 

Lesson CIVIL,. Southern Africa. 

1. Divisions. —Under this head are embraced the 
country of the Hottentots, Cape Colony, and Caffraria. 

2. The Hottentots are divided into numerous tribes, 
living under petty chiefs. They are a quiet and inoffensive 
people. The Bushmen, called Wild Hottentots, go naked, live 
in holes in the ground, and subsist by hunting. One of them, 
being asked by a missionary what was “ the chief end of 
man,” replied, “ To steal oxen !” 

LESSON CXVII. 1. Divisions? 2. The Hottentots? 
3. Cape Colony ? Cape Town ? Table Mountain ? 4. Caffraria ? 


3. Cape Colony was settled by the Dutch in 1515, 
but became the permanent possession of the British in 
1815. The products are grain, wine, and various fruits. 
Some of the Dutch settlers here, called Boors, have large 
fanns, and live in barbarous indolence and luxury. Ca'^ye 
Town, founded by the Dutch in 1650, is a fortified town. 
It is the stopping-place for vessels making voyages from 
the Atlantic, across the Indian Ocean, to the Pacific. It is 
situated at the foot of an insulated, flat-topped elevation, 
called, from its form. Table Mountain. 

4. Caffraria lies between Cape Colony and Mozam¬ 
bique. The Caffres are of a deep-brown color, with frizzled, 
but not woolly hair. They have fine forms, and are an 
athletic people. The men pursue wild animals, make war, 
and rear cattle, of which they have large herds. The 
women build huts, till the land, and make baskets of reeds, 
so compact as to hold milk. There are several tribes of 
the Caffres, including the Bushmen, already noticed, who 
inhabit the interior, contiguous to the Hottentots. 

Lesson CXVIIl... Eastern Africa. 

1. Divisions. —Eastern Africa includes a great extent 
of country, reaching from Caffraria to Nubia. 

2. Mozambique is an extensive region, nominally 
subject to the Portuguese. Cazembe, in the interior, is 
said to be a fertile and populous native kingdom. Zanguebar, 
an unhealthy country, has several distinct tribes of natives. 
Berbera, the country of the Soumalies, lies to the north of 
Zanguebar. The chief town is Berbera, which is a vast en¬ 
campment of tents rather than a permanent settlement. 
Ajan, to the east, and Adel, to the north of Zanguebar, are 
small territories, occupied by barbarous people. The prin¬ 
cipal river is the Zambeze. The products comprise manioc, 
indigo, ivory, ambergris, coal, and niter. 

3. Abyssinia forms an elevated table-land, with mount¬ 
ains 15,000 feet high, along the southwestern border. Here 
the snows and rains fall which supply the Nile. The largest 


LESSON CXVIIL 1. Divisions? 2. Mozambique? Its 
products? 3. Abyssinia? Its products? Inhabitants? Harly history ? 






































ISLANDS OF AFRICA. 


241 



lake is Demhea, through which this river flows. The country 
contains many fertile valleys. The temperature is cool, owing 
I to the elevation of tlie country, and tlie abundant summer 
I rains. The mineral products of the country are iron-ore, rock- 
: salt, and a small quantity of gold. Wheat, barley, oats, cot- 
I ton, and coffee are pfoduced. Lions, elephants, buffaloes, and 
I leopards are found here', and domestic animals, horses, asses, 

I mules, cattle, and sheep are reared in abundance. The Abys- 
! sinians have made some advances in commerce and the in- 

j dustrial arts. A portion of them profess Christianity, and i-e- 

I tain some of its rites, with little of its spirit. They are licen- 
I tious, and preserve some very barbarous customs. They 

: kill each other on slight occasions, and eat pieces of raw 

flesh cut from the haunches of living cattle ! Gondar, the 
capital, has a stone palace and a hundred churches. The 
Oalla, a warlike race, have recently conquered the southern 
provinces. The country is divided into petty states, the 
chief of which are Shoa, Tigre, and Amhara. Abyssinia, 
comprised in the ancient Ethiopia, seems to have been a 
seat of early civilization ; but of its early history we know 
little. It is generally regarded as the ancient Sheba, whose 
queen paid a visit to Solomon, as related in the Bible. It 
appears to have been connected with the Nubian or Ethio- 
' pian kingdom, of which Meroe was the capital. Its history 
I is also blended with that of the kingdom of Queen Can- 
! dace. The Saracens attempted in vain to conquer it; and 
I thus it has ever remained a Christian country, within a very 
I short distance of the capital of the Mohammedan religion. 

I The present inhabitants, however, have preserved little of 
I its former power. 

! 

Lesson CXfX... Islands of Africa. 

i 1. Islands. —There are several islands belonging to 
j Africa, some of which are very fertile. Most of them have 

warm climates, and yield tropical productions. 


2. Gcrba.— On the coast of Tripoli is the small island j 

of Gerba, which is noted for a monument of Christian skulls, ' 

gathered from a battle-field in the vicinity, and heaped upon ' 

a rock, where it has remained for several centuries. It 
serves to keep alive that hatred which the Mohammedans 
have been accustomed to indulge toward Christians. 

3. Azores, &c. —In the Atlantic are the Azores, Ma- 
deiras, and Cape Verde Islands, belonging to Portugal; and 
the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain. St. Helena, wliich 
is crowned by a lofty rock, belongs to the British, and was 
the prison of Napoleon till his deatli, in 1821. Ascension, 

to the northwest of St. Helena, is a small, barren island, with , 

a fine harbor, and abounding in fish and sea-fowl. This ! 

and St. Helena are the resort of ships traversing the seas. 

4. Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean, twice as large 

as Great Britain, has a fine soil and a numerous population. 
Silk-worms are reared, and honey and wa.x are produced in 
great abundance in the woods. The mountains supply 
gold, silver, lead, and iron. The inhabitants manufacture 
iron utensils, and work in gold and silver articles. They 
are divided into several tribes, all of which are barbarous. j 
This island was known to the Arabs in the thirteenth century. | 
In 1642, the French settled upon it, and made several at¬ 
tempts to colonize it, but without success. European mis¬ 
sionaries were protected by one of the late kings; but in 
1835, Christianity was prohibited; and in 1845, all Euro- j 
peans were expelled. * I 

5. Mauritius, or the Isle of France, belongs to En- \ 

gland, and is noted for a lofty mountain, crowned by a j 
rocky peak, called Peter Botte's Mountain. It is much j 
subject to devastating storms. Bourbon belongs to France, | 
and is famous for its volcano, whose burning fires serve to | 
light the mariner on his way. | 

6. Socotra belongs to Keshin, an Arabian state, and 
is noted for its trade in aloes. The British government 
lately failed in its negotiations to purchase this island. 


LESSON CXIX. 1. Inlands? 2. Gerba? 3. Azores, (be. I 

31 


What of St. Helena ? ^.Madagascar? 5. Mauritius? 6, Socotra? 

















































mi^0wsmsm 



a 

w 

, 

3 j 

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1 


1 





























































































































































ASIA. 


I 


I 


Lesson CXX,.. Asia. 


1. Cliaractcristics.— Asia is remarkable as being 
the most populous division of the globe, and that from 
which all the nations of the earth have proceeded. 

2. Mountains, &c. — The physical features of Asia 
are grand and remarkable. In the center is an immense 
plateau, consisting of naked mountains, enormous rocks, 
and vast deserts and plains. In these elevated regions, the 
great rivers which flow north into the Arctic Ocean, or 
south and east into the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, have 
their source. Here, also, the chief ranges of mountains in 
Asia form a stupendous rampart, from which the others 
branch out and extend over the country. These ranges 
are the Altai, on the north ; the Belur Tag, on the wmst; 
and the Himmaleh, on the south. The following table ex¬ 
hibits the bight of the principal mountains, wfith the ancient 
names : 


Modern Names. Ancient Names. 

Himmaleh (north of Hindostan).Emodi. 

Altai (between Tartary and Siberia).Imaus. 

Ar.ariit (in Armenia).Niphates. 

Lebanon (in Syria).Libanus. 

Elwend (do.) .Orontes. 

Demavend (Persia). 

Tor (Palestine).Tabor. 

Sinai (Arabia).Sinai. 

Ghauts (Hindostan).Bettigo. 

Caucasus (west of Asia).Caucasus. 

Ural group (betwdbn Asia and Europe).Hyperborean, or Riphetm 


Hight. 

29,000 

10,520 

17,280 

10,880 

14,000 

2,000 

7,940 

9,000 

17,920 

5,280 


3. Rivers.— The following shows the length of the 
principal rivers of Asia, wfith the ancient names : 


Modem Names. 

Yenesei. 

Obe, or Obi. 

Lena. 

Indus. 

Ganges. 

Sihon. 

Euphrates. 

Burrampooter. 

Ir.awaddy. 

Cambodia. 

Yangtse Kiang, or Kian Ku 

Hoang Ho. 

Amoor... 


Ancient Names. Length. 

(Not known to the ancients) ■ ■ • • 2,900 

.(do.). 2,800 

.(do.). 2,500 

.Indus. 2,500 

.Ganges. 1,700 

.Jaxartes. . 

.Euphrates. 1,.500 

. Dyardancs. 1,3.50 

.Sabaracus. 1,100 

■ Cotiaris. 1,700 

. (Not known to the ancients) •.. • 2,700 

• Bautisus. 2,400 

. (Not known to the ancients).... 2,240 


4. I..akes, &c.— The Caspian Sea is a vast salt lake, 
650 miles long, and 320 feet below the level of the ocean. 
The Sea of Aral, another salt lake, is 250 miles long. 
iMke Baikal is 300 miles long. The Great Desert of Gobi, 
or Shamo, is 1200 miles long. The interior of Arabia is 
chiefly a desert, with some fertile spots. There are also 
smaller deserts in Persia and Afghanistan. 

5. Coasts, &c.— The whole of Asia is encompassed 
by the sea, except on the w^est, where it is attached to 


Europe by an isthmus between the Sea of Kara and the 
Black Sea, about 1200 miles across, and the Isthmus of Suez, 
seventy-two miles across, connecting it with Africa. The 
peninsulas of Arabia, Hindostan, and Farther India, on the 
south, are remarkable features in the physical geography 
of this continent. The western and northern coasts are 
skirted by islands* and deeply indented by various arms of 
the sea. An examination of the annexed map will give a 
view of the several nations. 

6. Political Divisions.— These are as follows : 


Countries. 

Sq. miles. 

Population. 

Pop. 

sq. m. 

Religion. 

Capitals & 
chief towns 

Pop. 

Ru.ssiii in Asia . 
Turkey in Asia. 

Arabia. 

Persia. 

Afehanistan & 
Beloochistan. 
Independent 
Tartary. 

India. 

Farther India.. 

Chinese Empire 
Japan . 

5,100,000 

450,000 

1.200,000 

450,000 

400,000 

700,000 

1,100,000 

900,000 

5.200,000 

266,500 

7,000.000 

10,000,000 

8,000,000 

9,000,000 

6,000,000 

6,000,000 

144,000,000 

15,000,000 

380,000,000 

35,000,000 

1 

27 

8 

30 

25 

10 

118 

22 

52 

100 

Greek, Pagan, &c. 
Mohani tnedanism 
.do. 

Mohammedanism 
and Braminism 

Mohammedanism 

Braminism and 

Buddhism. 

Buddhism and 
Braminism .... 
Buddhism, &c. .. 

Tobolsk. 
Smyrna. 
Mecca.. 
Teheran 

Cabul .. 

Khiva • • 

Calcutta 

Ava.... 

Pekin-.. 
Jeddo . • 

20.000 

150,000 

30,000 

50,000 

80,000 

10,000 

500,000 

150,000 

2,000,000 

1,000,000 


V. Government, Religion, &c. —The population 
of Asia is variously estimated at from 450,000,000 to 
600,000,000. Many of the people live in large cities, 
wliile others lead a pastoral life, roving from place to place 
with herds of cattle. Some subsist by hunting and fishing, 
and others by plunder and robbery. Agriculture is con¬ 
ducted with little skill, but it is the chief branch of indus¬ 
try. The people live, mainly, upon vegetable diet. The 
manufactures are mostly domestic. A great interior com¬ 
merce has been carried on for ages by means of caravans ; 
the external commerce is chiefly in the hands of foreigners. 
The governments are generally despotic. All the great 
religions of the world originated in Asia. Mohammedanism 

O V . • 

prevails in Western Asia; Braminism in Hindostan, and 
Buddhism in Tartary, China, and Farther India. Judaism 
is professed by the Jews, and Christianity by a small num¬ 
ber in Turkey. The dress of the Asiatics is generally loose 
and flowing. The beard is left to grow long, and is an 
object of reverence. The taste for jewels and showy 
equipage is general. Polygamy is common, and women 
hold a low station in society. The principal nations of Asia 
are the Chinese, Japanese, Arabians, Persians, Hindoos, and 
Turks. 

8. Climate, Products, &c.— Stretching from the 
Arctic regions almost to the equator, Asia has still but two 


Exercises on the Map .—Boundaries of Asia? Extent? 
Population ? Population to the square mile ? What three great 
rivers flene into the Arctic Ocean ? What great river flows south into 
the Indian Ocean ? What four floiu into the Pacific ? ^here are 
the Himmaleh Mountains? The Ghauts? Caucasus? Ural? 
Where is the Caspian Sea ? Sea of Aral ? The Great Desert of 
Cohi ? ^^^tat Desert in Arabia ? In Hindostan ? Where is the 
Persian Gulf? Arabian Sea? Red Sea? Straits of Babelman- 
del ? Bag of Bengal ? Gulf of Siam ? Yellow Sea ? Sea of 
Kamtschatka ? 

Russia in Asia. — Boundaries ? Capital ? Extent ? Popidation ? 

dec., according to table. - Turkey in Asia. — Boundaries ? Capital ? 

Extent ? Popidation ? dce. - Arabia. — Boundaries ? Capital ? 

Extent? Pojmlation? dec. - Persia. — Boundaries? Capital? 

Extent? Population? etc. - Afghanistan. — Boundaries? Capi~\ 


tal ? -Beloochistan. — Boundaries ? Capital ? Extent, <te., of 

Afghanistan and Beloochistan ? - Independent Tartary. — Boun¬ 
daries? Capital? Extent? Popidation? d'c. - Hindostan. — 

Boundaries ? Capital ? Extent ? dec. Where is the island of 

Ceglon ? Where is Colombo ? - Farther India. —Boundaries of 

Farther India, including Birinah, Siam, Anani, and Malacca? 
Where is Ava? Hue? Bankok? Singapore? - Chinese Em¬ 

pire. — Boundaries ? Capital ? Direction of Canton from Pekin ? 
Nankin from Pekin? Where is Macao ? The island of Formosa? 

Of Hainan? Loo-Ch.oo Isles? - Japan. — Where are the Japan 

Isles? Capital? What are the three chief islands of Japan? 
^Vhere is Jeddo ? 

LESSON CXX. 1. Characteristics of Asia? 2. Mount¬ 
ains, dec. ? 3. Rivers? 4. Lakes, dec. ? 5. Coasts, dec.? 6. Po¬ 
litical divisions ? 7. Government, religion, dec, ? 8. Climat* 



























































































244 


ASIA. 


distinct climates. In the Russian Possessions, or Siberia, 
tlie cold is extreme. In Independent Tartaiy, the Chinese 
Empire, and Japan, the climate is more mild. In the 
southern regions, it is hot. In general, the climate of Asia 
may be divided into hot and cold—the temperate being 
hardly known. The vegetation is greatly diversified, from’ 
the creeping lichen.s of the north to the splendid produc¬ 
tions of equatorial regions. Many of the finest fruits, cul¬ 
tivated in Europe and America, had their origin here. 
Tlie forests abound in useful 
woods, including the far-famed 
cedar of Lebanon, tlie teak, 
the cypress, Ac. Among the 
aromatic plants and trees are 
the cinnamon, camphor, and 
cassia. Among fruits, besides 
those common to our climate, 
are the orange, fig, lemon, 
pomegranate, tamarind, Ac. 

A large portion of our choi¬ 
cest garden-flowers are also 
from Asia. The grape, sugar¬ 
cane, cotton, wheat, rye, oats, 
barley, and millet, are all in¬ 
digenous to this quarter of the 
globe, and are largely culti¬ 
vated. Tea is little produced 
but in Asia, and the finest 
coft’ge in the world is the 
product of Arabia. The min¬ 
eral treasures of Asia include 
the finest precious stones, 
gold, silver, and other metals. 

The animal kingdom is greatly 
varied. Here are found not 
only the beasts and birds com¬ 
mon to Europe, but the rhi¬ 
noceros, elephant, tiger, w’ild- 
hog, yak, nyl-ghau, gazelle, 
and ostrich, are natives of Asia. 

Here, also, is the original home 
of the horse, the camel, the 
pheasant, the bird of Paradise, 
and the peacock, as well as of 
our common barn-yard fowls. 

9. History. —We are entirely indebted to the Bible 
for the history of the early ages of the world. The Crea¬ 
tion, which consisted in a new’ arrangement of the seas and 
continents of the earth, with the production of new races 
of animals and vegetables, took place about six or seven 
thousand years ago. Adam and Eve were the first human 
pair, and from them have sprung all the nations of the 
earth. The descendants of Adam, living in Western Asia, 
and probably in the valley of the Euphrates, increased 
rapidly, and spread over a great extent of country. They 
became very wicked, and in the year 2348 B. C., they 
Avere all destroyed by a Flood, or Deluge, w’ith the excep¬ 
tion of Noah and his family, w'ho were saved in the ark. 
The descendants of Noah again peopled the valley of the 
Euphrates, Avhere they undertook the construction of an 
immense edifice, called the Tower of Babel. In the midst 
of their work, a strange confusion of languages occurred, 
BO <hac the artisans could not understand each other. This 


products, d'c.F 9. Hutory? Give the date of the Deluge. What 


led to a dispersion of a large portion of the people. Some 
migrated AvestAvard, and settled in Egypt and Europe; 
some proceeded eastAvard, and establislied themselves in 
China and other countries, and at last, in America. Still, 
multitudes remained in the A’alley of the Euphrates; and 
here the Empire of Assyria Avas founded, 2221 B. C. Its 
capital Avas Nineveh, situated on the eastern side of the 
Tigris. Assyria became an immense empire, and conquered 
the surrounding countries, including the great city of Baby¬ 
lon, on the Euphrates, about 250 miles south of Nineveh. 
In the year 536 B. C., Babylon, Assyria, and all the sur¬ 
rounding countries, Avere conquered by Cyrus, king of 
Persia. In the year 331 B. C., Alexander of Macedon 
conquered Persia and the greater part of Western Asia. 
In a short space his empire Avas broken up, and the various 
countries of Western Asia became distributed amontr dif- 
ferent soA’ereigns. The Romans got possession of these 
territories, and their dominions passed to the Greek Em¬ 
pire. In the sixth and .seventh centuries, A. D., most of 
these Avere Avrested from it by the Saracens. In the 
tAvelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Turks became masters 
of this portion of the Avorld, Avhich they retain at the pres¬ 
ent day. The history of Northern and Eastern Asia is 
less interesting. Nearly one-half of the territory, including 
Siberia and Tartary, called Scythia by the ancients, has 
continued, from the first daAvn of historj» to the present 
time, to be occupied by various tribes : some of them 
nomadic, or pastoral, and liA’ing upon their flocks ; and 
others Avarlike, occasionally bursting their boundaries, and 
carrying destruction and desolation oA’er the more southern 
and Avestern portions of the continent. From these regions 
have issued those terrific conquerors, Zingis Khan, in the 
thirteenth century, and Timour, or Tamerlane, in the four¬ 
teenth century. China has continued, from age to age, 
Avith less change than any other kingdom on the face of 
the globe. The countries of Farther India Avere not knoAvn 
to the ancients, and their modern history only is preserved. 
In general, it may be remarked that not only the human 
race, but the great religions, and the various institutions of 
society, connected Avith gov’ernment and law, had their 
beginning in Asia, and have thence been spread OA’er the 
world. (See page 23.) 

10. Ancient Oeoj^i’apliy.—Thb term Asia was origi¬ 
nally applied only to the Avestern portion of Turkey, now 
called Asia Minor. The Avhole of Eastern and Northern 
Asia was unknoAvn to the Greeks, Avho were not aAvare 
of the existence of such a country as Hindustan, till the 
conquest of Persia by Alexander. For a further account 
of the ancient geography of Asia, Ave refer the reader to 
page 181. 

11. Histniices.—The following table of extent and 
distances Avill be found useful for reference : 

Extent of Asia, from east to west. 5000 miles. 

“ “ from north to soutli. 5000 “ 

Distance from Conshintinople to Babylon (ancient). 1(K)0 “ 

“ “ to Nineveh (ancient). 850 

“ “ to Persepolis, ancient capital of Persia . 1400 “ 

“ “ to Susa, “ . iuoo “ 

“ “ to the River Indus. o:t00 “ 

“ “ to mouth of (Janies, in India. 4000 “ 

“ “ to Ecbatana, ancient capital of Media- • !HHI “ 

“ “ to Bactra, capital of Baclriana. IIIOO “ 

“ “ to JerusiUein. TOO “ 

‘‘ “ to Antioch, in Syria. (io() « 

“ to Mecca, in Arabia. PJOO “ 

“ *• to Memphis, ancient city of Efrypt. 800 “ 

‘‘ “■ to Colchii, ancient town of Ceylon. 4500 “ 

“ “■ to Tobolsk, modern town in Siberia ... 1800 “ 

“ •• to Niphon, island of Japan . 5000 “ 

of Assyria f Scythia? 10. Ancient geographit ? 11. Distances f 


















































RUSSIA IN ASIA. 



Circassian Soldiers. 


Lesson CXXL.. Russia in Asia. 

1. —Russia in Asia includes Circassia and 
Geoi’ijia, commonly called the Caucasian Countries, and 
Siberia. 

2. Circassia. —This country lies on the northern slope 
of the mountains of the Caucasus, between the Black and 
Caspian Seas. The whole teriitory is broken into precipi¬ 
tous mountains, small table-lands, and valleys of the most 
picturesque and romantic description. Grain, vegetables, 
and fruits of almost every kind, are produced in abundance, 
in the rifts between the rocks. The Caucasian horses are 
nearly as famous as those of Arabia. Cattle of all kinds 
wander among the mountains, and game and beasts of prey 
abound in the plains. Iron, copper, and lead are found, 
and saltpeter is yielded in large quantities. The inhabitants 
have long been proverbial for beauty of form, especially the 
women. Tliey are described as tall and slender, with small 
feet and hands, elegant features, fresh complexions, and in¬ 
telligent expressions. Formerly, many of the girls were 
sold to merchants, who took them to Turke}'^ and Persia, 
where they were bought by rich men as slaves or wives for 
the harem ; but the Russians have put an end to this traffic. 
The people are not far removed from a state of barbarism, 
however, and their chief occupation is robbery and plunder. 
Jdttleis known of the history of this nation. It is probable 
they have always been the same reckless, daring warriors 
that we find them at this hour. Some centuries since, they 
began to acknowledge a sort of doubtful dependence on 
the Turkish government, and nominally embraced Moham¬ 
medanism. By the treaty of Adrianople, in 1830, Turkey 
made over to Russia the wdiole Circassian country. The 
people, unwilling to be thus disposed of, flew' to arms, and, 
for the last ten years, have maintained a brave but unequal 
struggle for independence. 

3. Georgia occupies the southern slope of the Caucasus 
range. It i« noted for its picturesque beauty and fertility. 


^lelons, pomegranates, and other fine fruits, grow wild in 
abundance. The surface of the country is mountainous, and 
the forests abound in various timber-trees, which, how¬ 
ever, are put to no use. The people resemble the Circas¬ 
sians. Teflis is the capital of all the Caucasian provinces of 
Russia. Georgia was annexed to the Roman Empire by 
Pompey the Great, 05 B. C. The last native prince, before 
his death, in 1799, placed Georgia under the protection of 
Russia; and in 1802, it was incorporated with that em¬ 
pire. The Caucasian countries were supposed by the an¬ 
cients to be rich in various precious metals, from whence 
originated the Grecian fable of the Golden Fleece, and the 
expedition of the Argonauts in quest of it. Circassia is the 
ancient Colchis, and Georgia the ancient Albania. 

4. Sitocria is an immense territory w^ashed by the Arctic 
Ocean, and occupying the whole northern portion of the 
Asiatic continent. It is a flat, cold, desolate region, inhab¬ 
ited by many small tribes of hunters and fishermen, nearly 
in a savage state. The Samoides and Kamtschadales resem¬ 
ble the Lapps and Esquimaux in appearance and habits. 
The other tribes are Tartars. Three large rivers, the Obe, 
Yenesei, and Lena, flow through it toward the north, and 
empty into the Arctic Ocean. The Russians have several 
settlements, and derive from the territory gold, silver, and 
.copper, and a great variety of rich furs. Tobolsk is the 
capital, w'here most of those exiled by the Russian gov¬ 
ernment live, though many of them are doomed to toilsome 
• • ** 

service in the mines, or in fur-hunting. Of the eaily ages 
of Siberia Ave have no account. It is probable that its 
first inhabitants were similar to those wdiich still roam over 
its surface. Western Siberia was conquered by the Mon¬ 
gols in 1242. In 1563, it was claimed as part of the em¬ 
pire of the Czars. Tobolsk w'as built in 1587. In 1598, 
the people generally had submitted to Russia. In 1706, 
Kamtschatka was finally explored; and in 1727, Behring 
discovered the straits which bear his name, since which time 
Russia has been in quiet possession of Siberia. 


LESSON CXXL 1. Divisions? 2. Circassia? Its present 


condition ? 3. Georgia ? 4. Siberia ? Tobolsk ? Behring’s Straits / 























































246 TURKEY IN ASIA. 



£o;/i ty < .u. 


Lesson CXXll... Turkey in Asia. 

1. Characteristics. —This territory, extending from 
the Sea of Marmora on tlie west to the Persian Gulf on tlie 
east, is about 1000 miles in length and 250 wide, and em¬ 
braces that portion of the world most renowned in history. 

2. Mountains, &c. —Asia Minor, Armenia, and the 
northern parts of Koordistan, are mountainous countries. 
Mount Ararat, in Armenia, is 17,300 feet above the level 
of the sea. The highest peaks of Mount Taurus are 1200 
feet high. The largest river is the Euphrates, which rises 
in Armenia, breaks through the chain of Mount Taurus, and, 
after a couree of 1300 miles, empties into the Persian Gulf. 
The Tigris is a branch of this river. The Kasil Irniak 
(the ancient Ilalys) is the largest river in Asia Minor. 

3. Climate, Products, &c. —The climate of a coun¬ 
try so extensive and so varied in surface is, of course, marked 
with diversity. The northern part resembles New England 
in its mountainous and rugged character, while the middle 
portions are analogous to our middle states. The southern 
parts are like Georgia and Alabama. The products are what 
might be expected from such a climate. Tlie oranges, figs, 
olives, pomegranates, and other fruits, are very delicious, and 
form a large part of the staple food of the people. We are 
indebted to this region for the peach, apricot, mulberry, 

I various melons, and some of our most beautiful garden flowers 
I and plants. The rose is said to reach its highest perfection 
here. The moss-rose and the rose of Sharon are products 
of this famous clime. The camel, an animal unknown to 


our climate, is of infinite use to the people of the East. Be¬ 
ing adapted to the sandy deserts and hot climates, and at 
the same time living upon frugal fare, it is chiefly used for 
transporting burdens in the interior. 

4. Inliabitaiits, Ac.— The great variety of races in this 
country, always preserving their several peculiarities of cos¬ 
tume, character, and physiognomy, forms one of its most 
curious features. The Turks, the ruling people, are the 
most numerous, and are the same in Asia as in Europe. For 
a description of them, we refer to the account of Turkey in 
Europe. There is a considerable number of Greeks along 
the coasts of Asia Minor and the contiguous islands. Many 
Jeios and Armenians are found in the commercial cities. The 
Arabs have spread themselves over Syria, Palestine, and the 
regions around Bagdad. The Druses and Maronites are pe¬ 
culiar tribes in Mount Lebanon and the vicinity. The Turc¬ 
omans, a nomadic race, addicted to plunder, inhabit the 
mountainous regions of Asia Minor. The Koords occupy 
the northern portion of Koordistan. 

5. Antiquities. —Turkey in Asia has many large towns 
and cities, some of which, such as Damascus, Jerusalem, &c., 
are of great antiquity. The greater part, however, are of 
modern date. In various parts, there are the ruins of cities 
which flourished in ancient times, especially those of Pal¬ 
myra, in Syria, Nineveh, in Koordistan, and Babylon, in Mes¬ 
opotamia. The traveler in these regions sees evidences 
on every side of the revolutions that have occurred here. 
Within its limits, the greater part of the events recorded in 
the Bible took place; and here too some of the most cele- 


Exercises on the Map of Turkey in Asia .—Boundaries of 
Turkey in Asia? What sea between Asia Minor and Turkey in 
Europe? Describe the river Sikaria ; Kasil Irinak; Euphrates; 
Tigris. Where are the Koordistan Mountains? Tell the direction 


of the following places frmn Jerusalem : Smyrna; Trebizond ; Mount 
Ararat; Damascus ; ruins of Babylon ; Bagdad. 

LESSON CXXII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains ? 3. Cli¬ 

mate, tkc.? Inhabitants, dec. ? 5. Antiquities ? 6 Government? 






































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TURKEY IN ASIA. 


brated warriors of antiquity performed their achievements. 
Here Semiramis and Cyrus, Abraham and Melchisedec, 
David and Solomon, lived and died. Here Christ was born, 
and here he was crucified. Here the apostles began to spread 
the gospel ; and here Cambyses, Darius, Alexander, Pom- 
pey, Tamerlane, and Saladin, marched at the head of their 
armies, 

6. Government, &c. —Turkey in Asia is subject to 
the Sultan of Constantinople, and forms the most extensive 
portion of his dominions. The present political divisions 
are as follows :— 

Jlsia Minor and Islands. Chief Cities. 

PachalicsofAnatoli.iiSivas.Karain.ania, I Smyrna, (poptilation, 150,000,) Brusa, 
Itshil, Adana, Marash, and Rhodes .. { Karaman, aad Sivas. 

Turkish Armenia, 

Pachalics ofTrebizond, Kars, Erzeroum, i Trebizond,- (population, 30,000,) Erze- 

Diarbekir, and Van. ) roum. 

Syria. 

Pachalics of Damascus, Aleppo, Tripoli, ( Aleppo, (population, 80,000,) Damas- 
and Acre. S cus, (population, 90,000.) 

“rdls^ .''.1".®!'!: I (population, 65,000,) Mosul. 

We shall now proceed to describe the several portions of 
this interesting territory, according to the following arrange¬ 
ment, which coincides with history and popular geography : 
Asia Minor, or Anatolia. 

Armenia —a part only of ancient Armenia, 

Syria —including ancient Syria, Phoenicia, and Palestine, 
Mesopotamia —the ancient Babylonia and Chaldea. 
Koordistan —the ancient Assyria. 

*7. Asia Minor —called Anatolia, and sometimes the 
Levant, is a peninsula forming the western extremity of 
Asia. Its length is about 500 miles ; its width, 260 ; its ex- 

(Hve the principal divisions of Turkey in Asia. 7. Asta Minor / 


tent, 100,000 square miles. In tlie north, along the Black 
Sea, the climate is cold. In the south, it resembles that of 
Georgia, the country producing corn, wine, oil, honey, cof¬ 
fee, myrrh, figs, oranges, &c. The soil is various ; some 
parts being barren, and others exceedingly fertile. The 
southern range of mountains is called Taurus, and the north¬ 
ern, Anti-Taurus. There are numerous lakes, some of which 
are fresh, ^nd some salt. Among the mineral treasures are 
gold, copper, and lead. At this day there are few roads 
in the country, and the interior is but little known. Its 
present population is supposed to be 4,000,000 or 5,000,000. 
In early ages, Asia Minor appears to have been occupied 
by various tribes. In the year 450 B. C., no less than thirty 
distinct nations were embraced within its territory. It ap¬ 
pears that the Greeks made settlements here at a very early 
date. About the year 1190 B. C., the several states of 
Greece combined to make war upon the Trojans, whose chief 
city, Troy, lay at the western extremity of Asia Minor. 
After a siege of ten years, the city was taken and razed to 
the ground, most of the inhabitants being slain. The event 
is celebrated in Homer’s famous poem of the Iliad. Mysia, 
a celebrated division of Asia Minor, lay at its western ex¬ 
tremity. Here was Troy, which we have already noticed; 
and at a later date, Pergamos and Thyatira, mentioned by 
the Evangelist. Ionia was a small peninsula, within the 
boundaries of Lydia. The people were Greeks ; and at one 
time it contained twelve cities, the inhabitants of which were 
celebrated for their commerce, arts, and refinement. Lydia, 
under Creesus, became a powerful kingdom, 550 B. C. He 
conquered a great part of Asia Minor, and even entered into 

Products, dtc. Its present stale ? Trojan war ? Mysia i Ionia i 




















































































inlands of Asia Minor ? Famous men? 8 . Armenia? Its present 


condition ? Capital ? 9 . Syria ? Its products, Ac. ? Palmyra ? 


248 


TURKEY IN ASIA. 


a conflict with Cyrus, king of Persia, which, however, ter¬ 
minated in the overthrow of the Lydian monarchy. We 
have not space to notice in detail the various ancient divi¬ 
sions of Asia Minor. The greater part of the country con¬ 
tinued subject to Persia, from the time of Cyrus to its 
conquest by Alexander, in the year 331 B. C. It came 
into the hands of his successors, and was finally con¬ 
quered by the Romans, after a severe conflict with Mith- 
ridates, king of Pontus, 63 B. C. In the fourteenth cen¬ 
tury the Turks established their dominion here, and finally 
made themselves masters of the whole country, as we 
have related in the history of Turkey in Europe. The is¬ 
lands of Asia Minor, Cyprus, Rhodes, Chios, Samos, &c., 
have all their history, which, however, cannot be detailed 
here. It may be remarked, generally, that a large portion 
of the states of Asia Minor were of Greek origin ; and many 
of the most celebrated Greek philosophers, poets, and states¬ 
men were natives of this region ; among them we may men¬ 
tion Galen, the physician, born at Pergamos, A. D. 131 ; 
Thales, the philosopher, a native of Miletus, born 646 B. C.; 
Anacreon, the poet, born at Teos, about 550 B. C.; Par- 
rhasius, the painter, a native of Ephesus, born about 450 
B. C. ; Herodotus, “ the father of history,” a native of Ca- 
ria, born 484 B. C.; Dioyenes, the cynic, a native of Paph- 
lagonia, born about 414 B. C. ; Zeuxis, the painter, a na¬ 
tive of Bithynia, born 540 B. C. ; jEsop, the fabulist, a na¬ 
tive of Phrygia, born about 600 B. C. ; Zeuo, the philoso¬ 
pher, a native of Cyprus, born 346 B. C.; Homer, the most 
famous of poets, a native of Chios, born about 1000 B. C.; 
and Pythagoras, the philosopher, a native of Samos, born 
570 B. C. 

8. Armenia —lies to the east of Asia Minor, touching 
upon the Black Sea. It is an elevated and mountainous 
country, the bights being covered with perpetual snow. 
In these regions, the Eupdirates, Tigris, and Araxes, have 


their origin. The climate is cooR but much of the soil is 
fertile and well cultivated. At the present day, Armenia 
is divided between Russia, Persia, and Turkey. The whole 
population is about 2,000,000, two-thirds being subject to 
the latter country. The people who remain at home, are 
semi-barbarous, but many of them migrate to other coun¬ 
tries, where they become merchants. They are generally 
successful, and in their devotion to gain, resemble the Jews. 
Armenia appears in history at a very ancient date. It 
fell under the dominion of Assyria, 1000 years befoie the 
Christian era. It was afterAvard subject to the Medes, 
Persians, Greeks, Syrians, Parlhians, Romans, Saracens, and 
finally the Turks. Erzeroumh the modern capital. Ami- 
da, noAv Diarhekir, was anciently the seat of its kings. 

9. Syria —at the present day, embraces Avhat was an¬ 
ciently called Syria, Avith Phoenicia and Palestine. Including 
these, its extent is about 70,000 square miles, and its popula¬ 
tion about 2,000,000. Syria proper lies at the Avestern ex¬ 
tremity of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the coast are the 
Lebanon Mountains. To the Avest is a portion of the desert, 
Avhich extends from Arabia to this country. The climate is 
Avarm ; grapes, the various kinds of grain, Avith olives, figs, 
oranges, &c., are produced. The inhabitants bear a general re¬ 
semblance to the Arabs. In religion they are Mohammedans. 
There are some Greeks settled in the toAvns. In the remote 
districts, there are Koords, Turcomans, and Bedouins. The 
Druses and Maronites, occupying the Lebanon Mountains, 
are tribes Avith peculiar manners and peculiar religious no¬ 
tions. Among the remarkable antiquities, we may mention 
Palmyra, called in Scripture, “ Tadmor in the Desert,” 
once a flourishing kingdom. The queen Zeno&ia, Avho liAX'd 
272 A. D., and AA'as conquered by the Romans, furnishes a 
most interesting chapter in history. Damascus, long the chief 
city, is of great jintiquity, and is believed by the people to 
have been the original seat of Paradise. The early inhabitants 


I 


i 


I 


i 

I 





























































‘ --- - - -- 

TURIvEY 

of Syria are supposed to have been descendants of Aram, 
the youngest son of Shem. Here arose a kingdom, as early 
as 1100 B. C., which is frequently mentioned in Scripture. 
Under Seleucus, one of the successors of Alexander, it be¬ 
came the center of a powerful kingdom, Antioch being its 
capital. It afterward fell under the Romans, the Saracens, 
and finally the Turks, who are its present masters. 

10. Palestine.—This celebrated country, lying at the 
eastern extremity of the Mediterranean Sea, and being 175 

! miles long by 75 wide, has borne various names at different 
j periods. Its earliest title was Canaan, from the son of Shem 

1 of that name, whose posterity settled here. It was called 
j the Promised Land, because it was promised to Abraham 

1 and his descendants. It was called the Land of the Hebrews, 
from Eber, the ancestor of Abraham. It was called the 
Land of Israel, from Israel, or Jacob; the Holy Land, it 
being the residence of God’s chosen people ; Judea, from 
theti ibe of Judah ; and Palestine, from a portion of its an¬ 
cient inhabitants, the Philistines. The country is covered 
over with mountains, hills, and valley's, most of which are 
celebrated in the Scriptures. The principal river is the Jor¬ 
dan, which rises at the foot of Mount Hermon, and empties 
into the Dead Sea. The latter is 1400 feet below the level 
of the Mediterranean, has salt, bitter waters, and is sur¬ 
rounded by desolate hills and rocks, seeming the wreck of 
ancient volcanoes. In former times, Palestine was a pro¬ 
lific country, its pastures teeming with flocks, its hill-sides 
clothed with vineyards, and its valleys covered witli rich 
fields of grain. At present, the greater part of the coun¬ 
try is utterly barren. A few valleys and districts only are 
productive. The ancient cities have mostly passed away, 
many of them being converted into heaps of ruins or squalid 
villages. Jerusalem is an inferior town, containing 15 to 
20,000 inhabitants. The people at the present day consist 
of Arabs, Turks, and a few Jews. The latter race have 
almost wholly disappeared from the land of their fathers. 
They are now scattered in various countries, always living 
apart, maintaining their ancient religion, and perpetuating 
the physical peculiarities of their nation. Abraham migrated 
from Mesopotamia, and settled in Canaan about 1921 B. C. 
At tliat time, the country was occupied by various tribes. 
When the Israelites entered from Egypt, under the com¬ 
mand of Joshua, about 1450 B. C., the country was popu¬ 
lous, and the inhabitants, considerably advanced in the arts, 
had large cities. King David, 1020 B. C., raised the nation 
to its highest pitch of glory. In 975 B. C., the Israelites 
were divided into two kingdoms, Judah and Lsrael. The 
country was conquered successively by the Assyrians, Per¬ 
sians, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Saracens, and finally the 
Turks, to whom it is still subject. [See fages 211 and 218.) 

11. Phoenicia.—The country which anciently bore this 
,| name was a strip of territory 120 miles wide by 20 broad, 

Iving between the Lebanon Mountains and the Mediterranean 
Sea. The soil is good, and the climate agreeable. It 
is now mainly inhabited by Arabs ; the splendid cities of 
j ancient days being for the most part replaced by miser- 
' able fishing towns. The first inhabitants of this country 
j were called Canaanites, being descendants of Canaan, the 
youngest son of Shem. The oldest city was Sidon, which 
seems to have originated maritime commerce. Tyre, which 
' afterward eclipsed Sidon, lay twenty-five miles to the south. 
In the time of King David, Hiram was upon its throne, and 
entered into friendly relations with him. At least 1000 

IN ASIA. 249 

years before the ChVistian era, these cities had extended 
their commerce throughout the Mediterranean and beyond 
the Straits of Gibraltar. The country flourished to such a 
degree, that for 100 miles along the sea-coast, towns and 
villages were so numerous as to appear almost like a con¬ 
tinuous city. In the eighth century before Christ, a princess 
named Dido fled from Tyre, and established a colony on tlie 
coast of Africa, which afterward became renowned in his¬ 
tory under the name of Carthage. The Phoenicians also 
established colonies on the coasts of Spain, Ireland, and 
probably other countries of NortherivEurope. In the south, 
tliey formed settlements on the coasts of the Red Sea, and 
their fleets sailed to India as far as the island of Cey- I 

Ion. Various manufactures were carried on with success. j 

The colored garments of Sidon are mentioned with praise j 

by Homer, and the Tyrian purple is spoken of in Sci’ipture. i 

Glass was invented by the Phoenicians; and trinkets, jew- | 

elry, and carvings in wood and ivory, were executed with 
great skill. Tlie richest trade was carried on with Spain, ■ 

which was the California of tlie Old World. It is mentioned | 

in Scripture under the name of Tarshish. In the year 351 

B. C., Sidon was taken and destroyed by the Persians. Tyre 
was captiu-ed after a siege of seven months by Alexander. 

In a rage for its brave defense, he caused it to be destroyed 

He afterward commanded it to be rebuilt, and called himself 
the founder of Tyre. The Phoenician cities shared the fate ' 

of the other countries in this quarter. Tyre became sub¬ 
ject, successively, to the Romans, Saracens, and lastly the 

Turks, who still retain it. Its ancient name has passed ■ 

away. The old city of Sidon is a mere heap of ruins, in the , 

vicinity of a modern town called Saida, with 7000 inhab- | 

itants. Tyre, now called Soor, presents only a miserable i 

village of low scattered buildings, with heaps of splendid | 

ruins in its vicinity. Berytes, or Beyrout, is at present the j 

most flourishing town in this region. It is fifty-seven miles i 

from Damascus, of which city it is the port. Pop. 12,000. 

12. Mesopotainiia.—The country lying between the I 

Tigris and the Euphrates has borne a variety of names, as ! 

Babylonia, Chaldea, and Mesopotamia —the latter being 
descriptive, and meaning between the rivers. Its present 
title is Lrak Arabi. The greatest width of this territory is 
about 100 miles. Its whole extent may be 2300 square 
miles, br half that of the State of New York. It is a level 
plain. The lower portion, being annually overflowed by the 
Euphrates, is exceedingly fertile. Its middle portions are 
naturally barren, but, by means of irrigation, were anciently 
very productive. The present inhabitants neglect agricul¬ 
ture, and live in a state of barbarism. The ancient towns 
have vanished. Babylon, a city that goes back to Nimrod 
for its founder, and continued long to be the wonder of 
the world, on account of its wealth and magnificence, has 
crumbled into ruins. Deserted by the Euphrates, which 
once flowed through its center, it is now a heap of unsightly j 

bricks, earth, and stone, surrounded by a marsh, and the 1 

abode of bats, owls, and jackals. 

Distances from Babylon to Nineveh, capital of ancient Assyria.miles, i2.50 

“ “ Persepolis, in Persia. “ 400 

“ “ River Indus, in India. “ 1,500 ' 

“ “ Mouth of River Ganges. “ 2,600 

“ “ Ecbatima, capital of ancient Media. “ 250 

“ “ Jerusalem, capital of the Jews. “ 420 j 

“ “ Damascus, in Syria. “ 360 1 

“ “ Antioch, in Syria. “ 420 j 

“ “ Memphis, in tgypt.*■. “ 800 

“ “ Byzantium, now Constantinople, Europe. “ 1,000 1 

“ “ Greece. “ 1,500 

“ ‘‘ Rome, in Italy. “ 2,500 

j 10. Palestine ? Its various names ? History of the Jews ? ' 

32 

W. Phoeniciai Sidon? Tyre? \2. Mesopotamia? Babylon 




































250 


TURKEY IN ASIA. 



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Qome of the modern cities of Mesopotamia possess consid¬ 
erable interest. Mosul, on the Tigris, opposite the ruins 
of ancient Nineveh, has 35,000 inhabitants, consisting of 
Christians, Jews, Arabs, Turks, and Koords. The houses 
are supposed to have been built of materials taken from 
Nineveh. Orfa, near the Euphrates, is the ancient Edessa, 
and supposed to have been the Ur of the Chaldees, where 
Abraham dwelt before he removed to Haran. The city is 
filled with monuments refening to the great father of the 
Jewish nation. The city of Babylon is supposed to have 
been built near the site of the Tower of Babel. It is spoken 
of in Scripture as having been founded by Nimrod, the 
mighty hunter. Its date is fixed at about 2236 B. C. It 
fell under the power of Semiramis, queen of Assyria, who 
beautiSed and embellished it. In the year SYG B. C., the 
Babylonian Empire was founded, and Assyria overthrown. 
Nebuchadnezzar, who became its king in 604 B. C., con¬ 
quered the kingdorn of Judah, and carried many of its 
princes and people into captivity. Among these was the 
prophet Daniel. He afterward captured Jerusalem, and 
ravaged the northern part of Egypt. Under his reign, 
Babylon became the most splendid city in the world. It is 
said to have been sixty miles in circuit, surrounded with a 
wall of brick 350 feet high, and 8*7 feet thick. The Eu¬ 
phrates ran through the center, over which was a magnifi¬ 


cent bridge. The Temple of Belus was 600 feet high, and 
its treasures in gold and silver amounted to $600,000,000. 
The hanging gardens presented a spectacle of unrivaled 
beauty and splendor. In the time of Belshazzar, 536 B. C., 
Babylon was taken by Cyrus, king of Persia, aided by 
Darius, king of Media. This terminated the Babylonian 
kingdom, and the Persian empire was established upon its 
ruins. This extended its dominions from the borders of 
India to the western extremity of Asia Minor. Babylon 
continued to be one of the capitals of Persia, though Susa 
and Persepolis were also residences of the court. The Per¬ 
sian Empire was overthrown by Alexander; and Babylon, for 
a time, was the capital of Seleucus, one of his successors. It, 
however, speedily decayed, and at the commencement of 
the Christian era it was almost deserted. For the space of 
nearly 1500 years it was forgotten; and such is its complete 
desolation, that the very spot where it stood has been ascer¬ 
tained only by great research. 

13. Koordistan—the site of Ancient Assyria, lies 
between the Tigris and the mountains of Koordistan. The 
northern part is mountainous, and inhabited by people 
called Koords, descendants of the ancient Carduchi, The 
people here live in cities built upon rocks and cliffs, which 
have the appearance of castles. They are divided into 
clans, each of which has its chief. They are proud of their 


What of Semiramis ? Nebuchadnezzar ? Belshazzar / 13. Koor¬ 


distan? Bagdad? Bassora? Nineveh? What of Sardanapalus ? 



















































Assyrian Deity. 


Scu/pturcs from Layard’s Ruins of JVineveh, 


Jin Assyrian King in his Chariot. 


ARABIA. 


pedigree, but are said to be hospitable to strangers. The 
chief towns in this quarter are Moush, Sert, and Beilis; 
the latter being considered the capital. From the earliest 
ages, the Koords have been a warlike people, and many of 
them still wander into the adjacent territories, for the pur¬ 
poses of plunder. The more southern portions of this coun¬ 
try are scattered over with miserable villages, and a few 
inferior towns, inhabited by Arabs, Chaldeans, and other 
races. The country, once covered with thriving cities and 
rich harvests, is mostly given up to waste, with a few inter¬ 
vening spaces, po'orly cultivated. Bagdad, on the eastern 
bank of the Tigris, once the magnificent capital of the Sara¬ 
cen caliphs, is now reduced, though it has some trade. The 
country along the Shatul Arab, and near the Persian Gulf, 
is fertile and finely cultivated. This region was the proper 
Chaldea of antiquity. Near the gulf, in Mesopotamia, is Bas- 
sora, the center of commerce between Persia and the country 
within the valley of the Euphrates. Pop. 60,000. Assyria is 
supposed to have been founded by Ashur, 2221 B. C., and 
is regarded as the first empire established by mankind. It 
soon rose to great power, Nineveh being its capital. Ninus, 
one of its early kings, is said to have had an army of nearly 
2,000,000, with 60,000 chariots. He conquered various 
countries, including Media, Parthia, and Bactriana, power¬ 
ful states along the border of modern Tartary, anciently 
called Scythia. He was succeeded by Queen Semiramis, 
who was one of the most famous sovereigns of antiquity. 
She made extensive conquests in all the surrounding regions, 
and raised the cities of Nineveh and Babylon to the loft¬ 
iest degree of splendor and magnificence, about 1000 B. C. 
In the time of Sardanapalus the Assyrian Empire was 
overthrown by Arbaces, of Media, and Belesis, of Baby¬ 
lonia, 876 B. C. After a time, a new Assyrian kingdom 
was established ; but this was also destroyed by the Medes 
and Babylonians, 606 B. C. Nineveh was completely 
ruined, and, in the space of a few centuries, its site was un¬ 
known. An English traveler, by the name of Layard, has 
recently discovered, buried deep beneath the sand and rub¬ 
bish opposite the town of Mosul, the relics of temples and 
palaces, which doubtless belonged to the ancient city of Nine¬ 
veh. These curious vestiges show us many of the manners 
and customs of the Assyrians, who lived 3000 years ago. 
The country around appears to be desolate—scattered over^ 
with the wrecks of former ages. 

Exercises on the Map (see next page ).—Boundaries of 
Arabia? Extent? Population? Describe the Desert. ' Where is 


Lesson CXXIIL .. Arabia. 

1. Characteristics. — Arabia, constituting a broad 
peninsula in the southeast of Asia, is noted for its peculiar 
race of inhabitants, its remarkable history, and as being the 
source and center of the Mohammedan religion. 

2. Mountains, Rivers, Desert, &c. —This country . 
forms, in a certain sense, a distinct world, and appears to be 
under the influence of peculiar laws. Throughout its vast 
extent, there is no mountain of considerable elevation, and 
no river of any magnitude. An irregular ridge of barren 
mountains extends from the frontiers of Palestine to the 
shores of the Indian Ocean; but these rugged peaks afford 
neither water nor vegetation. Near the Isthmus of Suez is 
Mount Horeh, upon which God appeared to Moses, and 
commanded him to deliver his countrymen; and Mount Sinai, 
upon which he gave the law. The interior consists mostly i 
of burning deserts of sand, where nothing meets the eye | 
but the uniform horizon of a wild and weary waste. Over | 
the surface of this solitude, waves of sand are borne along 

by violent winds, which often bury the traveler in his route. 

In the northwest is Idumea, or Edom, often mentioned in 
the Scriptures, and once a powerful kingdom. 

3. Products, Animals, dec. —The general aspect of 

desolation in Central Arabia is varied by verdant spots, called 
oases. Where the ground affords any moisture that is not 
swallowed up by the sand, a green island arises in the midst 
of the desert. Groves of palms spring up, and the animals of 
the neighborhood resort to the spot, submitting to the con¬ 
trol of man with a readiness unknown in other countries. 
Along the shores of the Red Sea, and particularly at the 
southern extremity, the land is watered by copious streams, 
and the coffee-tree covers the hills. Spices, tobacco, tama¬ 
rinds, dates, balm, acacia, and various gums, resins, and drugs, | 
are produced here in abundance. The territory along the j 

Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf is partly fertile and 1 

partly barren. The horse, which has been carefully bred | 

in Arabia for several thousand years, forms an important i 
branch of traffic. The wild ass and the camel are the prin- j 

cipal beasts of .burden. Oxen, sheep, and goats are also j 

raised. I 

4. Climate, Soil, &c. —The climate of Arabia is the 
driest in the world. In the desert parts, the dry season is 
prolonged throughout the entire year. On these plains, the 

Jidda ? Muscat ? Mocha ? What waters on three sides of Arabia ? 

LESSON CXXIII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains, dc. t 






























252 


ARABIA. 



heat is excessive. The simoom, or hot wind of the desert, 
blows from the interior toward the coast, in all directions. 
It is unfit for respiration, and all nature seems to languish 
or expire under its pestilential influence. The soil, with 
the exception of the kingdom of Yemen, at the southern 
extremity, and other places near the coast, consists of either 
sand or stones, and is unfit for cultivation. 

5. Divisions.— This country was divided by Ptolemy 
into Arabia Petrcea, or the “ Stony,” including the north¬ 
western portion and the Isthmus of Suez ; Arabia Felix, or 
“ Araby the Blest,” comprising the territory along the south 
and west coasts ; and Arabia Deserta, the rest of its extent. 
This partition, however, is unknown to the inhabitants. 
The modern designation of Arabia Felix is Yemen ; of 
Arabia Petrsea, Hedjaz. These are fertile regions. Arabia 
Deserta is embraced under the names of Omon, Lasha, 
and JYedshed. The latter comprises the great desert of the 
interior. 

6. Commerce, Ac.— The commerce of Arabia is con- 
3. Products, animals, d:c. ? Climate, soil, dec.? 5. Divisions? Give 


siderable, in spite of the condition of the population. Large 
quantities of merchandise are brought by caravans and by 
sea from the surrounding countries, partly for internal con¬ 
sumption, and partly for distribution, by the pilgrims who 
resort to the holy cities, Mecca and Medina. Mocha is the 
center of a large coffee trade. Agriculture is very rude, 
and manufactures at a lower ebb than in any other semi- 
civilized country. Traveling in Arabia is almost Avholly 
performed by caravans. These are regulated by govern¬ 
ment ; each person having his place assigned in the line. 
The pilgrim caravans, called Hadji, and bound to Mecca, 
often contain 60,000 men, and 20,000 camels. The Syrian 
caravan sets out from Scutari, opposite Constantinople, and, 
passing through Syria and Asia Minor, proceeds to Mecca. 
Another comes hither from Cairo, and another from Persia, . 
collecting pilgrims and traders on their several routes. 

7. Inhabitants.-— The greater portion of the Arabs 
live a pastoral life, and are called Bedouins. These dwell 
in tents, and subsist upon very moderate diet. They are 

the ancient and modern names. 6. Commerce ? 7. Inhabitants ? 














































































ARABIA. 


253 



Pilgrims going to Mecca, resting at night in the Desert. 


! for the most part robbers, though courteous and polite, and 
1 hospitable to a proverb. Tlie Arabs have dark hair and black 
eyes, and are thin, well-formed, and active. Their religion is. 
! Mohammedanism, which had its origin here toward the 
! close of the sixth century, replacing the Sabaism which had 
I been the previous form of worship. The Arabs have e.x- 



.^rabs, with a Chief, or Sheik. 


tended their race over a great part of Turkey in Asia, and 
the northern and eastern parts of Africa. A part of AT-abia, 
including Mecca, is under Egyptian rule. Portions are in¬ 
dependent, as the imamats of Muscat and Yemen, the first 
of which is a dominion of consequence, extending over 
nearly the whole eastern coast of Aiabia, from the entrance 
of the Red Sea to the northern extremity of the Persian 
Gulf; and also over a part of the coasts of T’ersia and East¬ 
ern Africa, as far as Aden. The rest of the country is 
shared between an uncertain number of petty states. 


8. Towns.— Mecca, celebrated as the birthplace of 
Mohammed, and the holy city of his followers, is the prin¬ 
cipal city of Arabia. To this place, every Mussulman is re¬ 
quired to make a pilgrimage at least once in his life. Its 
chief ornament is the famous mosque, in the center of which 
is the Kaaha, a temple said to have been built by Abraham. 
At the time of the pilgrimage, Mecca presents the appear¬ 
ance of an immense fair. It has no industry, the only 
manufacture being that of chaplets. Provisions, and even 
water, are imported from a distance. Jidda, on the Red 
Sea, serves as the port of Mecca. Medina is remarkable as 
being the seat of the Arabian Empire under Mohammed, 
and the place of his death. Mocha, a port in the Red Sea, 
is noted for its trade in coffee. It exports annually 10,000 
tons of the finest kinds. Muscat has lately risen to emi¬ 
nence as a seat of trade with India and the Persian Gulf. 

It is on the Arabian Sea, in the district of Ominon. It is 
the capital of the imamat, and is surrounded by bights, 
strongly fortified. Sana, the capital of Yemen, is a city 
of some trade, and has twenty richly decorated mosques, 
and two stone palaces, belonging to the imaum. 

9. History.— The Arabs are supposed to be descend¬ 
ants of Joktan, of the posiejity of Shem. Ishmael, the son 
of Abraham, by Hagar, an Egyptian slave, is greatly ven¬ 
erated by the Arabs as one of their leading progenitors. 
They believe Mecca to be in the wilderness where, at the 
age of fourteen, he was left by his mother to die. The 
famous pool of Zemzem, now resorted to by pilgrims, they • 
regard as the spring pointed out by the angel to Hagar, 
which saved the life of her son, as well as her own. Ish¬ 
mael, as the Bible tells us, was a wild and savage man, 
who provoked the hostility of those around him. His de¬ 
scendants, the wandering and predatory Bedouins of Arabia, 
are considered, after the lapse of nearly 4000 years, as a 
living fulfillment of prophecy concerning him. For many 
centuries, Arabia appears to have been occupied by differ¬ 
ent chiefs, dwellincr alone: the maritime borders ; the interior 
being given up to unsettled and roving bands, as at the 
present day. The former carried on an extensive commerce 


8. Tixwns ? Mecca i Medina ? Mocha / Muscat ? Sana ? 


9. History? What of Jshmael? Who are his descendants? 













































ARABIA. 


254 


in gold, silver, honey, sugar, silk, and various manufactures. 
Tlie incense spoken of in the Scriptures was used to an im¬ 
mense extent in the ancient sacrifices, and, being the prod¬ 
uct of Arabia, was the source of an immense revenue. Even 
as far back as five centuries before the Christian era, the 
Arabians ena:rossed a larcfe share of the traffic between In- 
dia, Africa, and Europe. At this time, Arabia Felix was 
regarded as the richest country in the world. Tlie people 
of Saba cooked their food with costly and scented woods, 
decorated the pillars of their houses with gold and silver, 
and made their doors of ivory, crowned with vases, and 
studded with jewels. In the time of St. Paul, Damascus 
was subject to an Arabian king. In the fourtli century, 
A. D., one of these monarclis invaded Persia, and slew the 
king, with all his attendants. This was retaliated by Shah- 
poor, who ravaged a large portion of the country. In the 
time of Mohammed, who was born at Mecca, A. D. 569, 
the country was divided between various kings. The people 
had become barbarous, and devoted to odious idolatries, 
^loharamed conceived tlie idea of restoring to the people the 
worship of one God, and accordingly, pretending to be a 
propliet holding direct intercourse with heaven, he began 
to preach his doctrines. At last he collected a great num¬ 
ber of followers, and calling upon tliem to propagate his 
religion by the sword, he and his armies made war upon all 



Mohammed Preaching. 


who resisted. He met with astonishing success, and, in the 
space of a few years, he was the' i uling sovereign of Arabia. 
He died at the age of 64, A. D. 632, but his successors, 
under the name of Saracens, extended their conquests and 
their religion over Egypt and Northern Africa, establishing 
an empire even in Spain. They got possession of Syria, 
a portion of Asia Minor, and the countries in the valley of 
the Euphrates. The Saracen kings fixed their court first at 
Damascus, and afterward at Bagdad, where they reigned 
with unrivaled splendor. Haroun Alraschid, who died 
808 A. D., marched an army of 120,000 men into Asia 
Minor, and humbled the Emperor of Constantinople by his 
vengeance. ^From this point, the Saracen dominion gradu¬ 
ally declined, after having effectually established the Mo¬ 
hammedan religion in all Western Asia. In 1278 A. D., 
Bagdad was taken by the terrible hordes of Ziwjis Khan ; 
and the caliph, the fifty-sixth successor of Mohammed, was 

Birth of Mohammed? His success? The Saracens? Haroun 


trodden to death beneath the hoofs of the plundering cav¬ 
alry. Two hundred thousand of the inhabitants were 
butchered, and thus terminated the empire of the Saracens. 
The subsequent history of Arabia presents little of striking 
interest. The country is now very much in the condition 
of former times. The regions alonar the sea-coast are under 
the government of different sheiks or chiefs, among whom 
the Imaum of ^luscat is the chief. Part of Arabia along 
the Red Sea, and including Mecca, is under the dominion 
of Egypt. The interior is held by the Bedouins, who main¬ 
tain their ancient patriarchal government. About a century 
since, a set of fanatics arose in the deserts of Arabia, called 
Wahahecs. In 1801, they had increased so as to raise an 
army of 100,000 men. They took possession of Mecca and 
Medina, and the tomb of Mohammed was plundered and de¬ 
stroyed. The Egyptians conquered these places in 1813 ; 
and in 1818, took Derayeh, i\\Q capital of the insurgents. 
Since that time, Mecca and the vicinit} have been under the 
Egyptian government. It may be remarked that Arabia 
has fallen back nearly to the position which she held prior 
to the time of the Saracen Empire. It has no spirit of im¬ 
provement, no roads, no machinery, no steam-power, and 
may therefore be regarded as a representation of the sta¬ 
tionary condition of the Asiatic Continent. The cities are 
gloomy, enlivened only by the caravans which occasionally 



Caravansary. 


visit them. On the caravan routes, as in other Eastern 
countries, are caravansaries, for the convenience of travel¬ 
ers. These consist of large spaces, inclosed by walls, with 
stalls for horses and camels. 

10. Icluinca, or Edom, is situated at the northern 
point of Arabia, bordering upon Palestine. Here was Mount 
Seir, the bitter wells of Mai-ah, the rock smitten by Moses, 
and the land of l/z, inhabited by Job—all mentioned in 
the Bible. This country is also a part of the wilderness 
in which the Israelites wandered for forty years. It was 
occupied by the descendants of Esau, who became a rich and 
powerful nation. They were conquered by King David. 
In 888 B. C., they achieved their independence, but they af¬ 
terward fell under the power of Persia. After many vicis¬ 
situdes, the country became wasted by decay, and it is now 
a mere desert, covered with ruins, among which are those 
of Petra, which still excite the admiration of the beholder. 

Alraschid? Zingis Khan? 10. Iduinea? (see map, page 252.) 














































Exercises on the Map (p. 262 ).—Boundaries of Persia? 
Extent? Population? Where is Teheran? Ispahan? Shiraz? 
What gulf to the south of Persia ? }V}tat sea to the north ? Where 
are the ruins of Persepolis ? Of Susa ? What mountains in the north ? 


LESSON CXXrV. 2.. Characteristics of Persia? 2. Mount¬ 
ains, dkc. ? 3. Government, etc. ? 4. Political Divisions ? 5. In¬ 

habitants? 6. History? What of Cyrus? Xerxes? The Par- 
thians? Shah Abbas? Nadir Shah? 


PERSIA. 


255 


King or Emperor of Ancient Persia. 


Lesson CXXIV... Persia. 

1. Characteristics. —Persia is renowned for its an¬ 
cient history, and its superiority to other Asiatic nations in 
literature and refinement of manners. 

2. Moiintaius. &c. —The central part of Persia is a 
table-land, about 3000 feet above the sea; traversed, 
however, by mountain ranges, extending to the north. 
Here are many fertile tracts, irrigated by rivers. In this 
region is the beautiful valley of Shiraz. The western por¬ 
tion is covered over with irreclaimable salt deserts. In the 
north, the climate is cool and delightful. Along the Per¬ 
sian Gulf, the country is parched by extreme heat in sum¬ 
mer. In general, Persia is deficient in water. In the north, 
it is covered with fine pastures, orchards, and vineyards. 
Grain, cotton, tobacco, silk, madder, opium, assafoetida, 
wool, wine, rose-water, saffron, and dates are among the 
products. There are mines of copper, turquoise—peculiar 
to Persia—salt, coal, iron, naptha, and garnets. The 
camel, ass, argali, and gazelle, are natives of Persia. The 
horses are very superior. Sheep and cattle are abundant, 
especially with the wandering tribes in the remote prov¬ 
inces. The principal manufactures are silks, shawls of 
goats’ hair, carpets, felts, cottons, cutlery, arms, glass, <fec. 
The commerce is extensive—transportation being performed 
by mules. There are no good roads. 

3. Oovernmenf, &c. —The government is despotic ; 
the king is called Shah ; the governors of provinces, usu¬ 
ally royal princes, are named beglerhegs. The annual reve¬ 
nue is $10,000,000. The army consists of 80,000 men. 

4. Political Divisions. 


Prorinces. Chief Towns. 

Azerbijan.Tabreez. 

Irak Acljetni.Teheran. 

Ardelan.SenDab- 

Khuzistan.Sinister. 

Tars.Shiraz. 

Laristan.Lur. 


Provinces. Chief Towns. 

Kerman.Kerman. 

Ghilan.Rcshd. 

Mazanderau.Balt'roosh. 

Astrabad.Astrabad. 

Khorasau.Nishapoor. 

Yezd.Yezd. 


5. Inhabitants. —The population is much mixed. 
The Parsees, of the ancient Persian stock, are few in num¬ 
ber, but retain their ancient fire-worship. The inhabitants 
consist mostly of the descendants of Turks, 'fartars, Arabs, 
Armenians, (fee. They are a handsome, active, warlike 
people, of a quick imagination, agreeable address—versatile 
and pliable, but insincere and immoral in their habits. 
The)’^ are fond of poetry and imaginative literature. Their 
religion is Mohammedan, of the Shiah sect. In the re¬ 
mote districts are many nomadic tribes of Arabs, Turco¬ 
mans, Tartars, <fec. These live in tents, and subsist by 
pasturage and plunder. 

6. History. —Modern Persia, or Iran, embraces Per¬ 
sia Proper, with the ancient Media, Susiana, and Carma- 
nia. Ancient Persia was much more extensive, embracing 
Hyrcania, Parthia, Bactriana, and Sogdiana, in Tartary, 
with Arachosia and Gedrosia, the present Afghanistan and 
Beloochistan. The Persian Empire was still more exten¬ 
sive. {^See map, p. 250.) The early history of the country 
is obscured with fables. Cyrus became master of Media, 
which had long been a powerful kingdom. He conquered 
Babylon and the adjacent countries, 538 B. C., and estab¬ 
lished the ancient Persian Empire. In 480, Xerxes, one of 
his successors, invaded Greece, with an army of 3,000,000. 
He was totally defeated at the battle of Salamis. Alex¬ 
ander, the Macedonian, defeated Darius III., 331 B. C., in 
the celebrated battle of Arhela, forty miles east of the 
present town of Mosul—thus conquering the Persian Em¬ 
pire. Seleucus, Alexander’s successor, reigned over the 
country for a time. In 250, the Parthians, a powerful 
Scythian nation, conquered it, and reigned over it for 500 
years. About the year 600 A. D., the country had de¬ 
clined into a state of comparative barbarism. The ancient 
Persian Empire may be considered as at an end, at this 
point; and here the history of modern Persia begins. 
This has been subject to many vicissitudes. In 638 A. D., 







































it was conquered by the Saracens, who forced it to adopt 
the Mohammedan religion. About the year 1000, it be¬ 
came subject to Mahmoud, whose capital was at Ghizni, 
in the present Afghanistan, sixty miles south of Cabul. 
He conquered .various countries, including a ^portion of 
Hindostan, and established a dynasty which continued for 
nearly two centuries. The Seljukian Turks succeeded. 
The country was conquered and desolated about the year 
1220, by Ziwjis Khan ; and by Timour, about 1320 A. D. 
Shah Abbas, the Great, who came to the throne in 1527, 
raised the country to a high degree of power and pros¬ 
perity. Nadir Shah, who became king in 1736, extended 
and established his dominion. Since his time, no important 
events have taken place here. 

Lesson CXXV... Afglianislan and Beloocliistan. 

1. Afg:lianistaii.—This is a mountainous country, in¬ 
tersected by valleys and wide plains. Some of these are 
fertile and well watered. Agriculture is in a rude state, 
though rice, cotton, sugar-cane, and maize are raised. Sheep 
and goats are abundant, the latter producing a fine wool, 
much used in the manufacture of shawls. The exports consist 
of madder, tobacco, horses, fruits, furs, shawls, turbans, and 
indigo. The transit trade is wholly conducted by means of 
camels and horses, the employment of wheeled vehicles being 
impracticable. Cabul, the capital, is a fortified city, and 
has an active trade. The streets are intricate and often too 
narrow for two horsemen to pass each other. The houses are 
built of sun-dried bricks and wood, with flat roofs. Canda- 
har, Peshawur, and Ghizni are large towns. The ruins of the 
latter bespeak its magnificence when it was the metropolis 
of the Gaznevide empire. The population comprises Beloo- 
chees, Usbeks, Persians, and Hindoos ; but the chief source 
of the present Afghan nation is the original Afghan tribe, 
which forms an ancient and peculiar race. Schools are 

Exercises on the Map (see p. 252). Boundaries of Afghan¬ 
istan ? Extent ? Population ? Where is Cabul / Ghizni f Bound¬ 
aries of Beloocliistan ? Extent i Population f Where is Kelat ? 


common in the country, and a taste for poetry is general. 
The people are spirited and intelligent, but very fond of 
show. They resemble the Persians, though somewhat loss 
refined. The country includes the Paromisus, Aria, Ara- 
chosia, and Drangiana of the Greeks. The early history of 
this people is little known. The country belonged early to 
Persia, and in the eleventh century was the seat of the Gaz¬ 
nevide empire, which extended over Persia and Hindostan. 
It afterward fell under the poAver of the Mogul empire, Ca¬ 
bul being the capital and residence of Baber, one of the most 
famous monarchs of that race. In 1708 the country became 
independent. In 1838, Dost Mohammed, the king, was con¬ 
quered by the British ; but at a subsequent period, they re¬ 
tired from the territory, having lost sevenTl thousand men 
in their Avars with this high-spirited people. The country 
continues to be independent. 

2. Beloocliistan. —This country may be described as 
having a rugged and barren soil, and as being deficient in 
water, Avhich is absorbed by the deserts. Tlie rivers are 
very insignificant; the largest, the Dustee, though one thou¬ 
sand miles long, being at its mouth only tAventy inches deep 
and twenty yards Avide. The pastures are poor, and the 
cattle feAv ; but a good many sheep and goats are kept, the 
pursuit of the people being mostly pastoral. The trade of 
the country is small, consisting in prepared skins, woolen 
felt, carpets, and tent-covers of goats’ or camels’ hair. It 
is chiefly monopolized by Hindoos. The Bactrian, or two¬ 
humped camel, and dromedary are used as beasts of burden. 
Kelat, the capital, has a population of 12,000, Avith some 
manufactures. The people are little known, but are said to 
be in a barbarous state, fond of gaming and warlike exercises, 
martial songs, and rough music. In the west, they are free¬ 
booters by profession. The country was anciently called Gc- 
drosia, and till a late period Avas deemed a portion of Persia, 
and afterward a part of Afghanistan. Its history is litth? 
knoAvn. It appears that Alexander’s army, in crossing the 
Gedrosian desert, suffered greatly from fatigue and thirst. 

What sea to the south ? What river forms its eastern boundary ! 

liESSOn CXXV. 1. Afghanistan ? Principal toims ? lu 
history? 2. Beloochistan ? The people? What of Kelat? 


25C 


AFGHANISTAN AND BELOOCHISTAN. 


Ancient Medians. 

























INDEPENDENT TARTARY. 


25r 



Ancient Parthions. 


Lesson CXXVl... Iiidepeiideiit Tartary. 

1. Characteristics. —Tliis country, sometimes called 
Turkistan, occupies the Avestern part of Central Asia, and 
is the seat of numerous Tartar tribes, among whom the Us- 
becks and Kir^uis are the leading races. 

I 2. Face of the Country, &c. —This couritry con¬ 
sists, for the most part, of an elevated plain, table-land, or 
steppe, crossed by various mountains, and inclosing the Sea 
I of Aral, which receives the rivers Sihon and Amoo. 

\ 3. Divisions. —Independent Tartary includes the coun- 

I try of the Kirguis at the north, and the Khanats of Kho- 
kan, Khiva, Bucharia, and Koondooz to the south. The 
people are all of the Tartar race, though of different tribes. 

4. The Kirg:uis Country. —This is an immense plain, 
or steppe, north of Khiva and Khokan. It is intersected 
by mountains, hillocks, and undulations. There is a con¬ 
siderable number of lakes and rivers. Iron, lead, copper, 

! and some silver are found in the mountains ; but the mines 

j are not wrought. The north is cold in winter, and beset 

! with hurricanes. In the south it is milder; but every where 

j the summers are very hot. Game, fish, and domestic ani- 

j mals abound. A million of sheep are sent to foreign markets 

I every year. The Kirguis nation are Tartars, greatly resem¬ 

bling the Mongols. They number 2,300,000, and most of 
j them are nomadic. The tending of flocks and herds, and hunt¬ 
ing, are the chief occupations of the men. The manufactures 
[ are domestic, and for home use. A considerable trade is 

; carried on with Khiva, Khokan, Orenburg, and China. Nu¬ 

merous trading caravans cross the country. The people are 
generally in a barbarous state. The tribes are governed by 
khans. The religion is Mohammedanism, mixed with strange 
! idolatries. The Russians claim a part of the territory, and 
I are exercising some influence in civilizing the people. 

I 5. Kliofe-Jiii —southeast of the Sea of Aral, is a lofty 
[ plateau, ci'ossed by mountains, and watered by the Sihon, 

■ the ancient Jaxartes. The country produces wheat, cotton, 


silk, fruits, coal, copper, iron, and lapis-lazuli. Sheep and i 

cattle are numerous ; manufactures and internal trade con- | 

siderable. The khan maintains an army of 10,000 men. j 

Khokan, on the Sihon, is the capital. The country around [ 

this city is fertile and well cultivated. To the south is Turco- \ 

mania, the seat of the Turcomans, a tribe of predatory Tar- j 

tars scattered over many of the surrounding countries. ! 

6. Khiva—part of the ancient Kharesm, lies east of the i 

Caspian Sea, and has a population of 200,000, mostly of wan- • 

dering tribes. The surface is generally a sandy desert, Avith ! 

scattered hill ranges. The Oxus floAvs through its eastern j 

part. Along its banks are fertile tracts, producing Avheat, j 

cotton, vines, fruits, &c. Sheep, goats, horses, and camels ' 

are numerous. Cottons, silks, and shaAvls are manufactured. i 

About tAvo thousand camels go annually to Orenburg, As- 
trachan, and Cabul Avith agricultural produce and various 
manufactures. The population is mixed, the dominant race 
being A'/riva is the capital, Avith 10,000 inhabit¬ 

ants. The houses and palace of the khan are built of earth. 

7. Biicliaria, Bokhara,, or Ushekistan, lies east of the 

Caspian Sea. The surface is level; a part is fertile, and 
Avatered by the Oxus. ElseAvhere it is mostly a sandy Avaste. 
Grain, cotton, indigo, and fine fruits are cultivated. Tim¬ 
ber is scarce. Live-stock of most kinds are numerous. The 
horses are excellent. Camels are the principal beasts of 
burden. The manufactures and internal commerce are con¬ 
siderable. The khan is nominally despotic, but greatly in¬ 
fluenced by the Mohammedan priests. Public revenue, i 
$2,000,000. Armed force, 200,000 horse, 4000 foot, Avith j 
a militia of 50,000 caA'alry. This is the most important di- j 

vision of Tartary. Bokhara, the capital, is a splendid city of j 

160,000 inhabitants. It is said to haA'e been built in the 
time of Alexander; Avas ruined in 1219 A. D., by Zingis 
Khan, but flourished again under Timour. Samarcand, the j 
capital of Timour, and Balk are the other principal toAvns. I 

8. Koondooz —part of ancient Bactriana, lies east of I 
Bucharia, with Afghanistan on the south. It is mountain- ! 


Exercises on the Map (p. 242). Boundaries of Independent 
Tartar;! ? What sea in the center? Where is Samarcand? Balk? 
LESSON CXXVl. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Face of the coun- 

33 


try, ct’c. ? 3. Divisions ? 4. The Kirguis country ? Products and 

commerce? 5. Khokan? 6. Khiva? 7 Bucharia, or Bokhara ? 
8. Koonihoz? 9. History of Tartary? 










































258 


HINDOSTAN. 


ous, with fertile valleys, yielding fruits, grains, and silk, A 
great traffic is carried on in slaves, obtained from the adja¬ 
cent countries. The khan has an army of 2000 men. Koon- 
dooz, the capital, has 1.500 inhabitants, with an earthen fort. 

9. History of Tiirtary. —Tartary, Independent and 
Chinese, occupies nearly one-third of the surface of Asia. 
The general name of the people with the ancients was 
Scythians. They were a fierce and warlike race, and often 
made desolating incursions into the territories of Assyria, 
Persia, Egypt, and Asia Minor. Along the southern bor¬ 
ders of Independent Tartary was the powerful kingdom of 


Parthia, which flourished from 256 B. C, to 226 A. D.; and 
the empire of Bactriana, which was a great kingdom, 200 
B. C. Balk, once its capital, is a city of great antiquity and 
celebrity. In 1226 A, D., Zinyis Khan, a Mongol chief, h.ad 
established an empire extending 5000 miles, from the Pacific 
to Hungary. Tamerlane, one of his successors, in 1400 
A. D., extended his dominion, and founded the Mogul empire 
in Hindustan, which rose to extraordinary splendor, and only 
terminated in the year 1803 A. D, From Tartary have 
issued the progenitors of many of the leading modern na¬ 
tions of Europe, including the Turks, Goths, Celts, &c. 



Lesson CXXVlI...Hin(lostan, or India. 

1. Characteristics. —This country is celebrated for 
the antiquity and the peculiar manners and customs of the 
people. 

Exercises on the Map.— B<nmdaries of Hindostan ? Capital ? 
Extent ? Population ? Describe the River Indus ; the Ganges ; the 
Godavery ; tlu Kistna. Where is the Deccan ? Bengal ? Nepaul ? 


2. Mountains, &c.— Hindostan extends from the 
Himmaleh Mountains on the north, to Cape Comorin on the 
south, being 1800 miles long, and 1600 miles wide, with a 
coast line of 3300 miles. The greater part consists of a pe¬ 
ninsula. In the valley of the Ganges are the Vindhya 

The Punjaub ? What mou7itains to the north / What waters to the 
east and west ? Where is Calcutta ? Madras ? Bombay / Benares ? 
Surat ? Goa ? Lahore ? Seringapatam ? The island of Ceylon ? 






















































HINDOSTAN. 


259 



An Eastern Sovereign. 


Mountains, and the Ghauts on the west of the peninsula. 
The principal rivers are the Burrampooter and Ganges, on 
the east; the Indus, on the west; the Nerhuddafff', Goda- 
very, and Kistna, in the peninsula. There are no lakes of 
importance. To the west, bordering on Afghanistan, is an 
extensive desert, forming part of the great plain of the In¬ 
dus, The valley of the Ganges is of vast extent, and one 
of the most fertile and productive in the world. Coal, iron, 
copper, and lead are found in several places, but no mines 
are wrought. Diamonds occur in the Deccan, and carne- 
lians in the western part of the peninsula. The climate of 
the south is tropical. In the north, it is temperate and de¬ 
lightful. Hurricanes are common. The valleys produce 
grains, sugar, indigo, cotton, opium, ginger, and other spices. 
Double harvests are annually produced. The country of 
the Punjaub is exceedingly fertile and highly cultivated. 
The Valley of Cashmere i?, so rich and beautiful as to have 
been deemed the Paradise, or Garden of Eden, from which 
Adam and Eve were driven. The Deccan is an elevated 
plain, with a temperate climate. The natural products of 
India include oranges, lemons, citrons, dates, almonds, man¬ 
goes, pineapples, and various spices. The animal kingdom 
is greatly diversified. In the jungles —thickets of prickly 
shrubs—there are lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, and other 
beasts of prey. The antelope, deer, nylghau, wild buffalo, 
yak, or grunting ox, rhinoceros, and elephant ai'e common. 
The latter is tamed and used as a beast of burden. The 
forests abound in monkeys, and the marshes in crocodiles 
and serpents. Birds of superb plumage are numerous. 

3. DivisioBis, &c.—Hindostan is politically divided as 
follows :— British India ; about Thirty Hindoo States, de¬ 
pendent upon the British; Portuguese India, consisting of 
Goa and a small contiguous territory ; French India, in¬ 
cluding Pondicherry and small adjacent tracts ; and Danish 
India, comprising little more than Seram pore, in Bengal. 
Nepaul and Bootun, on the north, are independent. The 
cities of Hindostan are numerous, and many have a large 
population. Calcutta, the capital, and principal residence 
of the British in India, is on a branch of the Ganges. Be¬ 

IiIiSSON CXXVII. 1. Characteristics ? 2. Mountains, Ac. / j 


nares is the Holy City of the Hindoos. Delhi, the famous ' 
capital of the Mogul emperors, has a magnificent mosque, 
and other superb edifices. Cershmere is famed for its shawls, 
made of the hair of the Thibet goat. Bombay, on an island, 
is the western capital of British India. 

4. Inhabitants. — The Hindoos are nearly black, 
but of the Caucasian race. Though divided into several 
tribes, they appear to be one people. They are a gen-, 
tie, indolent, and contented race, living from age to age 
with unchanging devotion to the religion and customs of 
their fathers. The great mass are poor, dwelling in slightly 
built huts, wearing light cotton dresses, and living chiefly 
on rice and other vegetable diet. As a race, they are not 
destitute of talent, and excel in many arts. Their jugglers 
surpass all others in dexterity. The Thugs are an associa¬ 
tion who make it their profession to murder travelers, and > 
others, whom they meet. They have existed for a long 
period, eluding all the efforts of government to suppress 
their hideous practices. Religion and law combine to di¬ 
vide the people into four castes: 1st, Bramins, or priests ; 

2d, Rajah-pootras, or soldiers; 3d, Vaisgas, or merchants ' 
and farmers; and 4th, Sudras, or laborers. These do not 
eat or drink together, nor intermarry ; and if any one vio¬ 
lates the rules of his caste, he becomes an outcast, or 
Pariah. The priests exercise the most unlimited sway over 
tlie people, who are in the highest degree ignorant and su¬ 
perstitious. Braminism, which originated here, teaches that 
Brama is the supreme God, with millions of inferior deities. 1 
It also instructs the people to worship the various rivers, j 
cows, apes, &c. In their temples are images, some of men, j 

and some of brutes, before whom the people pay their ado- I 

rations. Many of the inhabitants are Mohammedans. Christ¬ 
ian missionaries from Europe and America have labored 
with great zeal and some success in Hindostan. The manu¬ 
factures of silk and cotton have been long celebrated. The 
shawls of Cashmere are unrivaled. Gold is wrought, and 
precious stones set with great skill by the Hindoos. The j 

diamonds formerly found in and near Golconda were thei^ ( 

best in the world, but the mines*are exhausted. Diamonds 

3. Divisions, Ac. ? 4. Inhabitants ? Religion f Manufactures f 










































2G0 


HINDOSTAN. 



ji Bramin Kxpoantliug the Sacred t'Vritings. 


are still cut and set there, and it is a great market for pre¬ 
cious stones. In many 
parts of Hindostan there 
are monuments of high 
antiquity, among which 
the cave of Elephanta, on 
an island near Bombay, is 
remarkable. It is hewn 
out of the rock, with co¬ 
lossal pillars, and strange 
inscriptions. Its origin 
is unknown. Many of the 
edifices of the Mongol 
Empire remain, which, 
either entire or in ruins, 
exhibit not only the wealth 
and splendor of their 
founders, but a high degree of architectural taste and genius. 

6. History of lliiidostaii.— This country, formerly 
called India, is one of great antiquity, having been probably 
settled soon after the Deluge. In the time of Semiramis, 
it was a rich, populous, and powerful country, under the 
government of vaiious princes. Ale.xander conquered 
Forus, 328 B. C., a prince of the Punjaub country, wdio 
brought against him an immense army, assisted by thou¬ 
sands of elephants. Hindostan continued under various 
princes, who appear to have lived in a state of great mag¬ 
nificence. Mahmoud of Ohizni invaded it tw^elve times; 
and at his death, 1028 A. D., he was not only master of 
the greater part of Persia, but of nearly the whole of Hindos- 
tan. In 1194, the Gaurs, a fierce race from the Hindoo 
Koosh Mountains, established what is called the Patan 
Empire, the seat of tlicir government being first at Lahore, 
in the Punjaub, and afterward at Delhi. This was the first 
dynasty of Mohammedan sovefeigns in India. It rose to a 
great pitch of power and splendor. In the thirteenth cen¬ 
tury, the country was invaded and devastated by Zingis 
yKhon. In 1390, Timour, or Tamerlane, bioke over the 
mountains of the north wit^ his irresistible Mongol hordes. 



Hindoo Family, 

pursued his conquering march to Delhi, robbed the country 
of an amazing quantity of gold, silver, and jewels, and made 
it tributary to his kingdom. In the sixteenth century, Sul¬ 
tan Baber, a descendant of Timour, came to the throne, and 
established what is called the Mogul Empire. He and his 
successors, Akhar, Jehangliire, and Aurungzehe, became the 
wealthiest and most magnificent sovereigns in the world. 

o ^ o 

They exercised supi'eme authority over the country, though 
the several sov'ereigns continued to reign in their separate 
kingdoms. In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Euro¬ 
peans found their way to Hindostan. Under their influ¬ 
ence, the Mogul Empire wasted away ; and at last, the do¬ 
minion of the Great Mogul was confined to the cit}'^ of 
Delhi. In 17G4, he was conquered by the British, which 
put an end to his influence, though he had some apparent 
authority till 18(J3. 

6. TBie PortujfHese in India. —In the year 1498, 

A. D., Vasco de Gama reached the shores of Hindostan, 
with a Portuguese fleet, at Calicut. They established a 
colony at Goa, and speedily extended their settlements along 
the cotist, from Birmah to Arabia. In a little more than a 
century after, they had nearly lost their power, by the an¬ 
nexation of their country to Spain, and the hostilities of 
Shah Abbas, and the English, in India. 

7. TBie Hutcli, Spaniards, &c., in India. —The 
Dutch made settlements in the Moluccas, Java, Ceylon, and 
obtained a large trade with India, China, and Japan, in the 
seventeenth century. The Spaniards established colonies 
in Manilla and the Spice Islands, and had a large trade with 
India, about the same period. The Danes followed the 
example of these nations, and made an establishment at 
Serampore, on the Hoogly, a branch of the Ganges, which 
they still retain. Toward the close of the seventeenth cen¬ 
tury, the French purchased the town of Pondicherry, which 
they yet hold. 

8. TIic Britisli in India. —The British East India 
Company, established in 1600, obtained permission from 
the Mogul emperor to establish a trading-post in Bengal. 1 
They afterward purchased from the Subah of Bengal tlie 



Hut, Pagoda, and Palace of Hindustan. 


5. History of Hindostan? 6. The Portuguese in India? l.The 


Hutch, Spaniards, d;c., in India? 8. British in India? 




































































FARTHER INDIA. 


261 


village of Calcutta, wliicli lias since become the capital of 
British India. Proceeding from one step of aggression and 
usurpation to another, this company has obtained the com- 
j)lete mastery of Hindostan. They have either driven out 
or reduced to insignificance the lival European colonies, 
crushed the Mogul empire, obtained the entire possession of 
almost all the northern part of India, and made mere de¬ 
pendents of the thirty princes who are permitted to retain 
tlieir crowns, lliese are, in fact, the mere tools and instru¬ 
ments through which the British sustain and e.xercise domin¬ 
ion. The population within the actual British territories is 
about 90,0u0,000 ; that which is under the dependent sove¬ 
reigns is about 50,000,000.* The government of the British 
provinces is under a governor-general, whose authority is su¬ 
preme. The revenue of British India is $75,000,000 annu¬ 
ally. That of the rest of Hindostan is supposed not to ex¬ 
ceed $25,000,000. 

9. Nepau! is an independent nation, chieflj'’ of Mongol 
origin. It occupies the southern slope of the Himmaleh 
Mountains. Rice, grains, cotton, and sugar are cultivated 
on terraces along the sides of the declivities. Domestic 
animals are numerous. Copper, iron, lead, and zinc mines 
are wrought. The manufactures are chiefly domestic. The 
interior trade is considerable. Braminism prevails. The 
government is administered by a Rajah. The Ghorkas 
established the kingdom about a century since, and are the 
ruling people. Population, 1,500,000. Khatman(foo\si\\Q 
capital. 

10. Bootan, lying east of Nepaul, is a mountainous 
• country, remarkable for its numerous castles, and its ingen¬ 
ious suspension bridges. Tastsisudon and Punakka are the 
capitals. The actual chief is called Deb-rajah. The Dhar- 
ma-rajak is the nominal sovereign, and is esteemed divine; 
but he has only ecclesiastical power. The state religion is 
Buddhism, and the country swarms with priests. The 
people, supposed to be about a million, are barbaroirs and 
superstitious. 

11. Islands of Hindostan. — Ceylon, a rich and 
beautiful island, now in the possession of the British, pro¬ 
duces cinnamon, ginger, pepper, sugar, cotton, tkc. Here 
is found the talipot-tree, a species of palm, whose pith is 
used for bread, and whose leaves are made into fans, and 
serve for paper and thatch. The pearl fisheries of Ceylon 
are the most productive in the world. Colombo is the 
chief town. The whole population is estimated at 1,250,000. 
The natives of the country are of various tribes, Singalese, 
or Ceylonese, Moors, Veddahs, &c. Besides these, there 
are some Dutch, Portuguese, and English colonists. Cin¬ 
namon is one of the chief products of the country. Con¬ 
siderable improvements have been introduced by the Euro¬ 
pean settlers. A canal and river communication exists 
between Colombo and Calpentyn. Missionaries are making 
the natives acquainted with religion and civilization. Ceylon 
is now the central point for the Oriental mail-packets, which 
leave Southampton, in England, every month. The Mal¬ 
dives, on the western coast of Hindostan, are forty or fifty 
small islands, with some inhabitants, under a chief, who re¬ 
sides in the largest island, three miles in circuit. The Lac¬ 
cadives, further north, are a group of shoals and islands. 
The people are governed by a cliief, subjected to the British. 



State Elephant of Birmah. 

Lesson CXXVI11...Farther India. 

1. Cliaractcristics. —This country, sometimes called 
Chin India, consists of two peninsulas, comprising several 
barbarous states. 


2. fountains, Ac.—The principal rivers are the Ira- 
waddy and Cambodia. Several chains of mountains extend 
north and south through the territory. The climate is 
generally hot, and much of the soil is prolific. The chief 
'divisions are Burmah, or Birmah, Siam, Anam, and Malac¬ 


ca, The people of these regions are chiefly of dark or yel¬ 
low complexions, and bear a resemblance alike to the Hin¬ 
doos and Chinese. The governments are despotisms ; the 
religion, various forms of superstition. The mass of the 
people are ignorant and degraded. 

3. Tlie Birman Empire is the leading kingdom, 
the people evincing more activity and vigor than the other 
nations. The country is fertile, but lies waste, except near 
the towns. Rice is the chief crop. Cotton, indigo, sugar, 
and various fruits are cultivated. Oxen, buffaloes, and ele¬ 
phants are used for domestic purposes. Mineral products 
are numerous. The inhabitants have a yellowish skin, with 
coarse bl^bk hair, and excel in casting bells, working gold 
and silver, and 
some other man¬ 
ufactures. They 
are of a orav dis- 
position,andfond 
of amusements. 

The emperor 
keeps a white 
elephant superb¬ 
ly dressed, which 
is an object of 
reverence to the 
people. Ava is 

on the Irawaddy, The great Temple of Shoomadoo, at Pegu. 



9 Nepaul? 10. Boot an? 11. Islands of Hindostan? Ceylon? 

Exercises on the Map of Farther India (see p. 258).— Bound¬ 
aries ^ Capital ? Extent ? Population ? Describe the Iraxoaddy 
liioer ’ the Cambodia. What peninsula to the south ? Give the prin¬ 


cipal divisions of B'arther India. What lartje island to the east? 
To the south ? Where is Bankok ? Ranyoon ? Ava ? Hue ? 

LESSON CXXVIII. 1. Characteristics? 2. Motintains? 
Give the chief divisions of Farther India. 3. The Birman Empire? 










































































FARTHER INDIA. 


1 262 

and was formerly capital of the Birman dominions. It once 
1 had numerous temples, but, March 23d, 1839, every sub- 
•j stantial edifice was destroyed by an earthquake, since which 
the seat of government has been transferred to Monchobo. 
This city is on the west bank of a considerable lake, 27 miles 
north of Ava. It is the birth-place of the famous Alom- 
pra, and, during his reign, was the seat of government. 
Pegu is a decayed city, formerly the capital of the flourish¬ 
ing kingdom of Pegu, now reduced to a province. The 
I city is remarkable for the Temple of Shoomadoo, an eight- 
! sided pagoda of vast dimensions. Rangoon is celebrated for 
I its temples. The government of Birmah is despotic ; the 
j religion. Buddhism. The empire is divided into seven prov¬ 
inces. It is a state of modern origin, and presents nothing 
of particular interest in its history. Alompra, who died in 
1760, was the most celebrated chief in its annals. Though 
of obscure birth, he raised himself by his prudence and wis- 
1 dom to the throne, delivered the country from foreign rule, 

I and conquered several of the provinces of Siam. In 1826, 

1 a war with the British terminated, by which the latter ob- 
i tained the provinces of Assam and Aracan, east of Hindos- 
tan, and Yeh, Tavoy, and Tenasserim, on the coast west of 
Siam, all of which now belong to British India. Amherst is 
the chief town of the three latter provinces ; it was founded 
in 1826. 

4. Anam.—The King of Cochin China has conquered 
Cambodia, Tonquin, and other territories, thus founding the 
empire of Anam, of which Ilud is the capital. It is without 
parallel in the East, having been regularly fortified in the 
I European style, early in this century. It is on the Hue river, 
j ten miles from its mouth in the China Sea. It has a palace, 

I spacious barracks, Ac. A large garrison and fleet of gal- 

I leys, are usually stationed hei’e. The climate of Anam is 

i mild, the soil fertile, and portions carefully cultivated. The 

coasts are bold, and abound with harbors. The manufac¬ 
tures and commerce are considerable. The government 
is despotic ; the religion Buddhism. The army is 50,000 
men, besides 800 elephants ; the navy, 800 small vessels. 
The people have a decided maritime taste. They appear 
! to be a mixture of Chinese, Malays, and Siamese. Their 
' history presents little but civil wars and contests with ad¬ 
jacent states. 



White E-lcpkant of ?iiam. 


! 5. Siam is a populous kingdom of some stability, the 

I people devoting their attention to agriculture and commerce. 

I Bankok, or Bangkok, is the chief city. It i^ one of the most 
commercial places in Asia. It consists of three portions: a 
palace on an island, inclosed by walls, with temples and gar- 

4. Anam f What of Hue ? 5. Siam f What of Bankok ? The 



dens ; the city proper ; and the floating town, consisting of 
movable bamboo rafts. The climate is mild and salubri¬ 
ous. The government is an absolute monarchy, and the 

g eople are in a most servile condition. Slavery is common. 

uddhism is the prevalent reli¬ 
gion. The public revenue is 
$15,000,000 a year. The peo¬ 
ple are a peculiar race of the 
Mongol family ; short in stature, 
and of little mental energy. The 
celebrated Siamese Tioins came 
from this country. Rice is the 
principal food. The elephant, 
rhinoceros, bear, &c., roam over 
a great part of the country. The 
white elephant is found, and*one 
of the titles of the king is, “ Lord of the White Elephants.” 

6. I..a.os—between Cochin China and Siam—is said to be 
a fertile country, thinly inhabited by barbarous tribes. The 
interior is wholly unknown. The population is estimated at 
one million. The capital of the kingdom is Lanchang. 


The Stamrjc Tioins, 



Scene in Malacca, 


7. Malacca—the original country of the Malays—is a 
long peninsula, a large portion of which is covered with for¬ 
ests. A range of mountains runs through it from north to 
south. The wooded country is infested with clouds of mus- 
quitoes; serpents abound ; and leopards, tigers, and croco¬ 
diles render the path of the traveler a scene of constant 
danger. The Malays are a passionate race, and sometimes 
end their lives by what is called running a muck, A per¬ 
son who has devoted himself to this death chews opium till 
he is partially intoxicated, when he sallies forth, and crying, 
“ Kill! kill!” strikes with his weapon at every one he meets. 
He is speedily pursued, and at last falls under the blades 
of his pursuers. The country south of Siam is divided 
among several small native states, including Perak, Johore, 
Pahang, Tringanu, &c. The British territories of Malacca, 
Naning, and Wellesley, are at the southern extremity ; the 
latter on the Straits of Malacca, and including the neigh¬ 
boring island of Penang, Singapore, on an island at the 
southeastern extremity of the peninsula of Malacca, is a 
flourishing British settlement, and derives importance from 
its position on the straits between Sumatra and the main¬ 
land, through which vessels generally pass on their voyages 
between India and China. The native exports are catechu, 
nutmegs, birds’-nests, coffee, pepper, trepang, and sea-weed, 
the latter for the China market. The town is regularly laid 
out, and pretty well built, being divided into European, 
Chinese, and Malay quarters. 

Siamese Ibins I 6. Laos I 7. Malacca ? The Malays f Singapore / 












































CHINESE EMPIRE. 


263 


BQ 


Lesson CXXIX.. .Chinese Empire. 

1. Cliaructeristics. — This Em¬ 
pire is remarkable for its great an¬ 
tiquity, its vast e.xtent, and its immense 
population. It include's China Proper, 

Chinese Tarlarii, Thibet, and Corea. 

2. Cliiita Proper— about 1200 
miles long, and 1000 wide—consists of 
an elevated region in the north, a great 
alluvial plain in the center, and, in the 
south, an undulating country, inter¬ 
spersed with broad valleys and lofty 
mountain ranges. Two-thirds of the 
country is supposed to be mountainous. 

The principal rivers are the .Yangtse- 
Kiang and Hoang Ho. The lakes are 
numerous. The coast-line is 2500 miles 
long, presenting many good harbors, 
especially at the mouths of rivers. The 
climate is one of extremes. At Pekin 
it is very severe in winter; snow and ice 
lasting for several months. At Canton, 
the summer is intensely hot, with hurri¬ 
canes, typhoons, and thunder-storms. 

The vegetable products are those of 
the temperate zone. The tea-plant is 
a native, and cultivated to an immense 
extent—72,000,000 pounds being an¬ 
nually exported. The camphor-tree, 
tallow-tree, shrubs producing varnish 
gums, oranges, cinnamon, rhubarb, gin¬ 
seng, &c., are common. Most of the 
wild animals are extirpated. A species of spaniel is the 
only dog. Quails, doves, and pheasants are common. 

Rice is the chief article of culture, and the main food of 
the people. Grains, kitchen vegetables, and tobacco are 
every where produced. Salt and coal mines are exten¬ 
sively wrought. The horses are inferior. Live-stock are 
numerous only in the western provinces. The manufac¬ 


Cliiiiesc Empire i Extent, 5,200,000 square miles. 



Chinese Empire: Popnlation, §61,000,000 to 180,000,000. 



iicencs in China, 

tures are ingenious and varied, including silks, embroidery, 
porcelain, lacquered Avare, carvings in Avood, shell, ivory, 
and horn, engravings, cabinet-Avork, bell-casting, &c. Silk 
is said to have been first made here. Trade, both inland 
and maritime, is very extensive. The ships and sea-craft, 
generally, are of a clumsy construction. 

3. Oovcrnincnf, &c. — The government is despotic, 
the emperor being assisted by a privy council. The laws 

Exercises on the Map.— Boundaries? Extent? Population? 
Capital ? Describe the following rivers: Yellow; Yangtse-Kiang; 
Hoang Ho ; Hoang Kiang. Wliat two lakes near the center of Chi¬ 
na ? Where is the Island of Formosa ? Hainan ? 'Pell the direc¬ 

■4 


are rigid, but mildly administered. The army consists of 
830,000 men, besides troops in the provinces. The annual 
revenue is $300,000,000. The country is divided into 
eighteen proAdnees, containing 1,300,000 square miles, and 
368,000,000 of people in the empire, according to the gov¬ 
ernment census. The estimates, hoAvever, are considered 
uncertain. The number of populous cities is very great. 
The Chinese are of Mongolian origin, but softened 
by time and a mild government. The skin i^ a dull 
yelloAv, the head and face square, the nose flat, tlfe 
lips thick, eyes small and oblique, cheek-bones promi¬ 
nent, hair black, and beard scanty. The young are 
handsome, but the appearance of the old is harsh 
and ugly. The females of the better class have their 
feet bandaged in childhood, so as to make them small; 
and hence they walk with difficulty. The rich have 
several Avives, who are kept in seclusion, as in Tur¬ 
key. The Chinese are mild, peaceful, and shrcAvd, 
but deceitful. In the late Avar Avith Great Britain, they 
displayed arrogance, cowardice, and imbecility. Filial 
affection is cherished by religion and the laws of the coun¬ 
try. Printed books are numerous, and reading and writing 
are common ; yet literature and science are in a low state. 
The letters of the language consist of Avords. The religion 
of Confucius, Avhich is a mere system of Avorldly morality, 
is adopted by the court. Buddhism, called the religion of 
Fo, is the faith of the masses. In general, the standard of 

tion of the following places from Pekin: Canton; Nankin; Shang¬ 
hai. (For Chinese Tartary, .tc., see Map of Asia, p. 242.) 

LESSOlf CXXIX. 1. Characteristics? 2. China Proper ? 
3. Government, etc. ? Inhabitants ? Books ? language ? Beligion ? 





















































!04 


CHINESE' EMPIRE. 



Confucius teaching his Doctrines. 


m 


morality is not high ; yet the people are superior to any of 
the surrounding nations, except the Japanese. China 
exercises considerable political influence over Anam, Siam, 
Birmah, and the adjacent countries, from which it affects 
to claim tribute. Pekin, the capital, is one of the largest 
cities in the world. Nankin, the ancient capital, has 
lost much of its former splendor. Canton is the com¬ 
mercial emporium, and, till recently, the only place where 
Europeans and Americans Avere permitted to trade. Ma¬ 
cao, on an island in the Canton Ri^^er, belongs to the 
Portuguese, and is the residence of the families of the 
Europeans Avho have business at Canton. The Great 
Wall, built two thousand years ago, as a defense against 
the Tartars, is twelve hundred and fifty miles long, and 
employed several millions of men five years for its con¬ 
struction. This, with the Imperial Canal, from Pekin to 
Nankin, 600 miles long, evinces the patient energy of the 
emperors and the people. 

' 4. Chinese Tartary comprises several distinct 
branches of the Tartar family. The countries are Mant- 
chooria, Mongolia, Soongaria, Little Bucliaria, and Little 
Thibet. The people possess the general Tartar character¬ 
istics already described. Most of them are Buddhists, or 
worshipers of the Grand Lama. The country is a great 
plateau, or table-land, crossed by the Thianckan Mount¬ 
ains, south of which is the Great Desert of Gobi. The 
government in the several provinces is administered by offi¬ 
cers appointed by the emperor. The people are generally 
in a barbarous state ; some are nomadic, some husband¬ 
men, and some traders. A large part of the country is 
uncultivated. The Mongols, generally called Tartars, are 
a peculiar race, and are considered as one of the five great 
branches of the human family. They are the original 
stock of the Chinese, Japanese, Coreans, <fec. They appear 
to have been a prolific nation, and have at different periods 
conquered China, Persia, Armenia, Syria, Arabia, parts of 
Germany, Poland, Russia, and Hungary. Zingis Khan 
united several tribes, and became the most terrible con¬ 
queror the w'orld ever knew—extending his empire from the 


Pacific to Russia. His capital was Karakorum, about 47® 
north latitude, and 95° east longitude. More than two 
millions of human beings perished in his wars. He died 
in 1226, aged seventy. The successors of Zingis even 
extended his dominions. Timour, or Tamerlane, one of 
his descendants, was born 1335, in ancient Sogdiana, and 
died 1405. His capital Avas Samarcancl, then very mag¬ 
nificent, but now reduced. He Avas a great conqueror, and 
subjugated India, thus paving the Avay for the founding of 
the Mogul Empire in Hindustan, Avhich began Avith Baber, 
A. D. 1523. The Mongols of the present day possess 
nothing of their former poAver ; they are a barbarous peo¬ 
ple, quietly submitting to the Chinese sway. 

5. Thibet is the seat of the Avorship of the Grand 
Lama, or Buddhism. It is a lofty region, embracing the 
sublime peaks of Chumularee, the highest mountain in the 
world. Lassa is the capital. The Lama is some one selected 
by the priests, into Avhose soul the spirit of the preceding 
Lama is said to have passed. He is deemed the representa¬ 
tive of Buddha, or God on earth, and is Avorshiped Avith 
the most profound adoration. His temple, at Pootala, near 
Lassa, is said to contain 10,000 rooms. It has to Avers and 
obelisks covered Avith gold and silver, and a multitude of 
images, of the same precious metals. 

6. Corea is a peninsula 600 miles long—the people 
resembling those of China. Little is known of this coun¬ 
try. Rice, hemp, and tobacco are cultivated. Horses and 
cattle are numerous. The valleys are populous. In man¬ 
ufactures, the people riv^al the Chinese and Japanese. The 
commerce is restrained by the jealous policy of the gOA'ern- 
ment; but some intercourse is held Avith China and Japan. 
The king has a splendid court, and a numerous seraglio; 
The chief city is Ilan-ching. The army and nav’y are 
large. The country appears to be independent, though 
China affects to consider it as tributary. 

7. Chinese Islands. —The Island of Hainan, eight 
miles from the main-land, is 150 miles long and seventy- 
five broad. It is quite populous—part of the people being 
subject to China, and part independent. Formosa, sixty 


Pekin, &c.? Chinese Tartary ? The Mongols? 5. Thibet? 6. 


Corea ? 1. Ghi'nese Islands ? 8. History of China ? Confucius ? 





























































































EMPIRE OF JAPAN. 


265 


miles from the coast, is 240 miles long and sixty wide. 
The inhabitants are 600,000 in number. The Loo-Choo 
Islands, 400 miles from the main-land, are thirty-six in 
number, and are occupied by a gentle and hospitable people. 

8. History of CSiiitii. —The Chinese records go back 
several thousand years before the Christian era. These 
are mostly fabulous ; but there is no doubt that China is 
the oldest existing dominion on the globe. After several 
dynasties had passed away, Confucius, the celebrated 
moralist, philosopher, and lawgiver, was born, 549 B. C. 
i In the year 214 B. C., the Great Wall was built, as a de¬ 
fense against the Tartars. In 1209, Zinrjis Khan con¬ 
quered the northern provinces. Kuhlai Khan, his grand¬ 
son, subjected the country in 1280. The Tartars were 


driven out in 1368. In 1644, the Mantchoo Tartars con¬ 
quered the country, and established the present line of 
sovereigns, which has since insured peace between China 
and its northern provinces. Kien Long, an emperor dis¬ 
tinguished for his intelligence, died in 1799. Taou Kwang, 
his grandson, came to the throne in 1821, and died in 1849. 
In 1840, a war broke out between Great Britain and China, 
in consequence of the destruction, by the Chinese, of a large 
quantity of opium, which was about to be smuggled into 
Canton. The Chinese were defeated in numerous engage¬ 
ments, and were compelled to pay $21,000,000, and to 
open to foreign trade, besides the port of Canton—Amoy, 
Foutcheou, Ning-po, and Shang-hai—ceding, also, the 
island of Hong-kong to the English in perpetuity. 



Scene in Japan. 


Lesson eXXX... Eiiipiie of Japan. 

1. Clisvractcristics. — Japan is a populous insular 
empire, resembling China in its people and institutions. 

2. Ocm.eral Hcscriptioai. — it includes the island 
i of Niphon, 800 miles long and fifty-two broad ; Kiusiu, 
I 150 miles long, and 120 w'ide; Sikoke, 90 by 80 miles; 

! with Jesso, the Kurile Is ands, and the southern part of 
Saghalien. The country of the principal islands is highly 
cultivated, and many arts are carried to a considerable de¬ 
gree of perfection. The people are polite and ceremoni¬ 
ous. A high sense of honor, integrity, and devoted friend¬ 
ship, are characteristics of the people. Education receives 
much attention, and females are instructed with great care. 

I Buddhism prevails extensively; but a native religion, 

[ called Sinto, is the faith of the mass. The Bairi is the 
spiritual ruler of the country, but the Cubo is the political 
ruler, paying only nominal obedience to the Dairi. Jeddo, 
i the capital, is one of the great cities of the world. Meaco 
is the residence of the Dairi, and chief seat of literature. 
Nangasaki is the only place Europeans are permitted to 
! visit—the same exclusive policy prevailing here as in China. 


3. History.— The history of Japan is obscure. The 
people are probably of Chinese origin. About the year 
1550 A. D., the Portuguese sent Jesuit missionaries here, 
who converted a considerable portion of the people to 
Christianity. One Jesuit priest baptized 70,000 persons in 
two years—about 1579. In 1587, the Catholic religion was 
forbidden, and some priests and converts were executed. 
Those who continued to be Christians, were persecuted. 

In 1640, ail foreign¬ 
ers were excluded 
from the country, 
except the Dutch, 
who were permitted 
to reside at Nanga- 
saki, and have since 
continued to engross 
the chief European 
trade. Once in four 
years they make a 
present to the mili¬ 
tary commandant at 



Dutch, carryiiig the Tribute to Jeddo* 


Jeddo, costing, with the journey, $1500. 


LESSON eXXX. 1. Characteristics? 2. General da- 

34 


scription? Religion? Chief towns? 3. History? The Dutch? 















































































Qxr Al> 





c* 

1 

8 






















































































































































OC.EANICA. 


267 


i 

1 


Lesson CXXXL.. General View. 



Scene in Java. 

1. TTlie Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on the 
globe, and covers more than one-third of the earth’s sur¬ 
face. Its uidth at the equator, extending from Ecuador, 
in South America, io the peninsula of Malacca, is nearly 
one hundred and eighty degrees, or half the circumference 
of the globe—an extent of about twelve thousand miles. 
Toward the north, the two continents approach each other, 
and the narrow Strait of Bherimj, only forty miles wide, 
separate America from Asia, and connect the Pacific with 
the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific derived its name from the 
early navigators, who deemed it more tranquil than other 
seas. Though this may be its general character, yet it is 
subject to violent tempests, especially upon the coast of 
Asia. There is a general current in the Pacific, near the 
equator, setting from east to west, from the American to the 
Asiatic shore. There are also various other currents, espe¬ 
cially among the islands and broken coasts of Asia. There 
are likewise trade-xoinds, blowing constantly in one direction, 
and monsoons, blowing six months one way, and six months 
the other. 

2. Oceanica.— The Pacific Ocean is studded with groups 
of islands, many of which are extensive and populous, and 
which are embraced by geographers under the title of 
Oceanica. The land surface of Oceanica is estimated at 
four millions five hundred thousand square miles, and the 
population at twenty millions. Many of the islands of the 
Pacific are volcanic, and send foi th terrific volumes of lava, 
smoke, and ashes. Many also are evidently built up by 
myriads of corallines, which are sea-animals, so small as to. 
be scarcely observed by the naked eye. Most of the islands 
are within or near the tropics, and have warm climates. 
Some of them are exceedingly prolific. Among the pecu¬ 
liar vegetable products are various lich spices, sandal-wood, 
the bread-fruit tree, pl intain, yam, and other fruits. Among 
the remarkable animals of Oceanica are the orang-outang, 


the largest species of the ape ; the anaconda, a gigantic kind 
of serpent; and the cassowary, resembling the ostrich. 
These are confined to the Asiatic islands. New Holland 
seems like a new world ; its vegetable as well as animal 
kingdom presenting great peculiarities. The natives of 
Oceanica chiefly belong to two races—the Malays and a kind 
of Negro. The latter are dull and degraded, and are confined 
to New Holland, New Guinea, and Van Diemen’s Land. 
Ihe former, scattered over all the other islands of the Pa¬ 
cific, are active and intelligent. Most of the larger islands 
are now controlled by Europeans ; the natives being, for the 
most part, in a savage state. Oceanica is divided into three 
portions ; the Asiatic Islands or Malaysia, Australasia, and 
Polynesia. 

3. Malaysia contains several important and fruitful 
islands, most of which are under the government of foreign 
nations. Ihe following table exhibits the most important of 
these:— 


Names. 

Possessed by 

Extent. 

Population. 

Chief Towns. 


' Sumatra. 

Java. 

Natives. 

180,000 

,'52,000 

5.600 

8,800 

450 

4,000 

12,000 

4,500,000 

4,280,000 

80,000 

100,000 

4.'),000 

120,000 

Bencoolen. 

= ^ 1 

Banca . 


Buliivia. 



Dutcii & Port’guese 

Liras. 

Amboyna. 

= J 




2 S ] 

Gilolo. 


Santanag. 








300,000 

75.000 

70,000 

30,000 

800 

500 

3,.'500,000 

Borneo. 

Macassar. 

Manilla. 

Mindanao. 







1,200,000 

900,000 

84.000 

75,000 

= 3 



■-S 2 1 




.Negros. 

Spaniarfla. 

— 



Sumatra is marshy along the coasts, with mountains in the 
center. Here Mount Ophir rises to the hight of 13,000 
feet. The products consist of rice, sago, millet, cocoa- 
nuts, betel, sugar, coffee, tropical fruits, pepper, nut¬ 
megs, mace, coral, cloves, cinnamon, benzoin, gutta-percha, 
tin, and copper. The domestic animals are buffaloes, small 
horses, hogs, and goats. The 
elephant, rhinoceros, hippo¬ 
potamus, and crocodile, are 
common. Many of the people 
build their houses on posts. 

The country is divided among 
several native chiefs, mostly 
under the supremacy of the 
Dutch, who possess the set¬ 
tlements of Bencoolen, and Padang, on the west. Java, the 
most cultivated of the Sunda Isles, yields coffee, sugar, rice, 
(fee. The rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, crocodile, and serpents 
are common. The manufactures are considerable. The coun¬ 
try is divided into twenty-two provinces by the Dutch. It 
was conquered from the Hindoos in 1478 by the Arabs. Nu¬ 
merous Hindoo monuments of antiquity are found. The 
Dutch settled the island in 1577. The Moluccas, or Sjiice 
Islands, are famous for producing cloves and nutmegs, which 
are cultivated in no other part of the world. Borneo, the 
largest island of Malaysia, has mines of gold, silver, dia¬ 
monds, antimony, tin, iron, and coal. The soil is exceed¬ 
ingly fertile. The vegetable products are varied and abun- 


Sumatra House. 


Exercises on the Map.— Which is the largest island of Malay- j Borneo? Sydney, in N. JL? Van Diemen’s Land? Pekin, in 
mn? Which is the largest of Australasia? The nert ? Next? I China? Canton? Jeddo? Kavitschntka ? Behring’s Straits ? 
What seven groups of islands in J^olynesia ? IHrection of the fol- \ LESSOIT CXXXI. 1. The J^adfic Ocean ? Currents ? 2. Occ- 
tnwing places from Washington: the Sandwich Isles ? New Zealand? I anica? Products? Inhabitants? 3. Malaysia? Give a descrip- 


























































































2C8 


OCEANIC A. 


I 


I 




dant, including pepper, spices, tropical fruits, Ac. The 
wild animals comprise the elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, wild 
hog, monkeys of various kinds, and the orang-outang. The 
aborigines, called Dijaks, are divided into numerous tribes. 
The Malays have conquered the northern coast. The au¬ 
thority of the Dutch extends over tlie greater portion of the 
island. It was discovered in 1521, by the Portuguese, and 
in 1823, they established a colony here. Celebes is inhab¬ 
ited in tlie soutli by an active and commercial people. The 
Fliilippine Isles produce sugar, rice, coffee, cinnamon, Ac. 

4. Australasia. —The chief islands of Australasia are 
Neio Holland, or Australia, New Ouinea, and New Zealand. 
The following table exhibits the extent, population, Ac. 


Native Pop. 

Total Pop. 

60.000 

3,000 

40.000 

].50,0<l0 

30,000 

100,000 

10,000 

6.5,000 

500,000 

250,(HH) 

170.000 

53,000 

40,000 

150.(K)0 

30,000 

100,000 

10,000 

65,000 

.500.000 

250,000 


Names. 


New Holland. 

Van Oienien’s Land. 

New Caledonia. 

New Hebrides. 

Queen Cliarlotte’s Island 

Solomon’s Isles. 

Lonisiades. 

New IlriUiin. 

New Guinea. 

New Zealand. 


3,000.00(1 

12,209 

6,000 

2,291 

1,537 

17,010 

764 

24,433 

305.540 


276,000 

50,000 


New Holland, the largest island in the world, and almost 
equal to Europe in extent, is held by Great Britain. The 
natives are an ignorant and degraded race of Negroes. Their 


Among the cu- 

v',1 



The lAjrt-bird. 


number does not exceed a few thousands 
rious animals are the kangaroo, platypus, 
lyre-bird, Ac. The British have several 
settlements — one called New South 
Wales, made in 1788, of which Sydney 
is the chief town , one at Stvan River, 
made in 1829, and one at King George's 
Sound, Ac. Botany Bay was formerly 
noted as a place of banishment for Eng¬ 
lish convicts. Many of these have re¬ 
formed, and become rich and respect¬ 
able. In the Bathurst District, in. the 
south-east part of New South Wales 
large deposits of gold have recently been discovered. The 
great island of Papua, or New Guinea, near New Holland, 
IS inhabited by Malays, mixed with Negroes, similar to 
those of New Holland. There are British settlements at 
Van Diemens Land and New Zealand. When the latter 
islands were discovered by Captain Cook, in 1769, the peo¬ 
ple were ferocious cannibals. The British colonized them 
in 1840. The country is productive, having lofty, snow- 
clad mountains. The natives are an energetic, active, intel¬ 
ligent race. There are thirty-five missionary establishments 
on the three islands. The British colony here is deemed 
important. The rest of the Australian islands are occupied 
by the natives. The Negro races are chiefly confined to 
New Holland and New Guinea, as already stated. 

5. Polynesia comprises the numerous groups of isl¬ 
ands lying to the east of Malaysia and Australasia. Among 
tliese groups, the principal are the Ladrones, Caroline, 
Mulgrave, Friendly, Society, Marquesas, and Sandwich 
Isles. Most of them are fruitful, and yield the bread-fruit, 
jilantain, banana, cocoa-nut, with citrons, oranges, pine¬ 
apples, and other tropical productions. The natives are of 
the Malay race, though rendered gentle by a soft climate. 
They are, however, fierce and passionate when excited. They 
are savages, and addicted to idolatries, unless changed by 
missionary efforts. The Sandwich Islands, consisting of 
Hawaii, or Owyhee, Mowee, or Maui, Woahoo, or Oahu, Kuai, 


or Taiiai, Motohoi, or Merokai, and some others of less size, 
are particularly interesting, the people having been converted 
to Christianity and civilization by the American missionaries. 
Hawaii, the largest island, has an area of 4,000 square miles ; 
population, 100,000. The island is a mass of lava, with sev¬ 
eral volcanic peaks, among which Mauna Roa, 15,000 feet 
high, is in constant activity. Captain Cook was killed here hy 
the natives in 1779. The products of the Sandwich Islands 
are the bread-fruit, coffee, sugar, cotton, tobacco, and trop¬ 
ical fruits. Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the capital, 
and contains six thousand inhabitants, mostly natives. On 
these islands are churches, books, newspapers, magazines, 
and printing-offices; and in the port of the capital, foreign 
vessels are always to be seen, the islands lying in the great 
line of commerce between California, China, and Australia. 
The Vhole population of the Sandwich Islands is 150,000. 
The head of the government is a native king. Pitcairn's 
Island, southeast of the Society Islands, is interesting as being 
the residence of about one hundred and fifty descendants of 
some English mutineers of the ship Bounty, who established 
themselvi’s here in 1790. 

6. History of Occaiiica. —The ancients had some 
faint notion of the existence of islands beyond the region 
which they denominated Farther India; but we have no 
account of any voyage made in this quarter till the middle 
of the ninth century, when the Arab navigators, in thoir in¬ 
tercourse with China, visited some of the islands of the In¬ 
dian Archipelago. Of these voyages, however, we have no 
particular narrative. The islands appear to have had a na¬ 
tive population at the earliest period, and settlements were 
made among them by the Malay adventurers at different 
times. Marco Polo, a Venetian, who traveled to China 
through Tartary, toward the end of the thirteenth century, 
returned to Europe byway of the China Sea and the Indian 
Ocean. He describes two islands, which he calls Great aniL 
Little Java; these seem to be Borneo and Sumatra. At 
this period, the countries beyond Farther India were hardly 
better known than in the time of the Romans. The Hin¬ 
doos appear to have possessed some of the larger islands in 
ancient times, and the Arabians made conquests here. The 
Portuguese were the first Europeans who began the career 
of maritime discovery in the East. They arrived in India by 
the route of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1498. By the 
year 1510, they had visited all the islands of the Malay 
Archipelago, as far as the Moluccas. The Spaniards, in the 
mean time, under Columbus and his successors, were push¬ 
ing their discoveries and conquests in the West, Balboa hav¬ 
ing discovered the Pacific in 1513, as elsewhere stated. As 
the two courses must necessarily meet on the opposite side 
of the globe, a question arose between the two nations as to the 
limits of their respective discoveries. While this point was 
in dispute, Magellan, a Portuguese navigator in the Span¬ 
ish service, sailed into the South Sea, by the straits which 
bear his name, in 1510. He steered to the northwest for 
three months and twenty days, without seeing land, when 
he fell in with two small islands, to which he gave the name 
of Desaventurados, or VnlacVy, as they afforded neitherTood 
nor water, when liis crew were famishing for both. The 
smoothness of the sea, during this long voyage, caused him 
to bestow upon it the name of the Pacific Ocean, which 
it is likely to retain, though some geographers and historians 
have proposed to call it the Magellanic Ocean. Since the time 
of Magellan, other voyagers have traversed the Pacific, and 
there is probably no considerable island now undiscovered. 


tion of the several islands. ^.Australasia? What of Botany Bay? 

L. 


5. Polyneaia / The Sandwich Islands ? 6. History of Orcauica f 


} 


j 

I 

1 

t 

j 

I 


I 































































GENERAL VIEWS OF THE EARTH. 


269 


Lesson CXXXII... General Views of the Earth. 

1. Astronomy—or the science of the heavenly bodies, prest‘nts three classes of 
objects to our coiitemplalion. Ftrst, the Fixld Stars, which are supposed to be 
suns, around which troops of planets revolve. About two thousand of these tire 
visible lothenakt^d eye ; but it is calculated that 100,000.000 can be seen by good 
telescopes. Their distjuice from us is so great, that alltiough many of them are 
doubtless much lm*ger than the sun, yet they appear like mere shining points, even 
through line leles(X)pes. It is estimated that the neare.st of these stars must be 
liuO.UOO.OOO miles from the earth. It is calculated that the number ol these orbs is 
entirely beyond human conception, as the “ Milky Way” is supposed to consist of 
m>riads of suns, millious of miles apart, in the boundless holds of space. Second^ 
Nkbuljv, Vr’hich consist of patches of faint light, of various forfns, st^ui through 
telescopes, in dilTerent parts of the heavens. These have given rise to many specu¬ 
lations, Some supposing them to be unorganized matter, or fre-dusU gnidually 
being tbnned into worlds, or perhaps remaining stationary. Others regard them 
Jis tixed stars, at a distance so inconceivable that no telescope can separate them. 
Third, the Soi.ar Sys tem, which consists of the sun, with several planets revolving 
around it, of which our earth is one. The diameter of the sun is ddikOOO miles; 
ils circumlerence, -.704,000 miles. Us surlace contains U2,850 limes the area of the 
globe we inhabit, t^orne of the planets are nearer than our earth to the sun, and 
some :u*e more distant. Some are smaller, and some are larger than the earth. 
Tney all revolve 

around the sun, and 
all turn upon their 
own axes. Ti»e dis¬ 
tance of the earth 
from the sun is 9.>, 

000.000 miles, cfomo 
of the planets arc 
visible, and some aro 
invisible, to the na¬ 
ked eye. Jupiter, 
the largest of the 
planets,is 495.000,000 
miles from the sun, 
and it is always 
at least 600,000,000 
miles from the earth. 

It is 1400 times lar¬ 
ger than tlie earth. 

Saturn is nearly 
twice as far from the 
earth as Jupiter. U 
is surrounded by two 
immense rings, one 
within the other. 

The diameter of the 
outer ring is 179,000 
miles, and it is 7200 
miles broad. The 
interior ring is 20,000 
miles broati. These 
rings revolve swiftly 
around the body of 
the planet. S*aturn 
lias also 'ieven moons 
or satellites. Comets 
are bodies seeming 
to be of a gaseous 
nature, generally ap¬ 
pearing in the iieav- 
ens with long lumi¬ 
nous trains behind 
them. About 1400 
ol these eccentric 
luminiirieshave been 
observed. They are 
seen to revolve 
around the smi in 
very diflferent orbits; 
usually coming near 
to that orb, and then 
shooting off to an 
immense distance. 

Some return after a 
few yeais: others are 
liundrods of years 
in pta'forming their 
stupendous revolu¬ 
tions. 

2. (ieolo^y regards the structure of the earth, and the moans by which it has 
been made to as.sume its present form. The general theory is, that the sun was 
once the nucleus or centtjr of a nebulous mass, revolving on its axis; that this be¬ 
came coiuleiLsed, and the planets were successively thrown off from this central 
body. This theory considei*s the earth to have been first in a gaseous stale, simi¬ 
lar to the comets. Uy degrees, its heal was ilisperstal and radiated into space ; in 
consequence of wiiich, the particles became condensefl. yet still in a state effusion. 
The pnjcess of c<K)ling went on, until the exlerriiil crust of the globe became hard¬ 
ened into the solid materials of which we »!e it now composed, yet leaving the 
central nutss in a state of incandescence. At lirsU in the process of ceding, the 
crust of the globe was perhaps broken and lorn; thus presenting the rugged as¬ 
pect which the telescope now unfolds to view in the moon. The pent-up fires 
within would seek vent, tlie volcanoes would disgorge their contents, and the 
earthquakes would shake and dislocate tlie land and the sea. The ruiji and the 
tempest now began their work. Particles of earth were disengaged from the 
mountains, and boruo by tlie Hoods to the valleys, and a soil was thus formed lor 
vegetation. After many changes, extending through millions of yt>ars, that sublime 
revolution which eslablislietl the present lurangement of oceans and continents, and 
the present races of animal and vegetable life, a.s described in llie opening books 
of the Itible, was effected. We have not space to follow out, in detail, the progress 
of this wonderful history It must be mifficieut to state that we now find tlie earth 




consisting of an exterior cnist, composed of layers of rock and soil of different kinds, 
probably inclosing a mass of melted matter in the center. These layers or strata 
are thrown one upon another, in almost every possible position. Some of them 
are horizontal, Olliers vertical, and othei*8 inclined at various angles. I'how* beila 
or strata which are found at the greatest depths to which man has been able to 
penetrate, aro called primary^ and are siqiposed to have been formed first. Those 
strata which are Ibund lying upon primary rocks, and contain the remains of mii- 
mals and vegetables, are aiipposed to have been formed at a subsecpienl period, 
and are called secondary. Those beds usually found reposing upon secondary 
strata, composed of fragments of both [irimary and secondary rocks, are called tfT- 
tiary^ or alluvial formations, and are supposed to be of more recent origin than the 
two laLlt'r classes. The uimexed engraving gives a view of a s(‘Clion of the earth, 
though ilinusi be borne in mind tlial the strata are here exaggerated, sous to show 
more distinctly the forms into which they are cast. 

3. Form and Surface of the Earth.—The form, dimensions, and mo¬ 
tions of the earth are given at pages 9 and 10 ; ils distributUni into land and waWr, 
with the extent of oceans and conllueiits, and the population of the globe, at pjigo 
16. It may be remarked, in general, that the natural r.istory of the earili, astronom¬ 
ical, geological, and geographical, displays a Beneficent and Intelligent Author, 
presiding over every step of its progress, from the beginning to the end. 

4. Physical Geography.—Land Surface of the Globe.— Continents. 

We have shown Iho 
division of the land 
surface of the globe 
into continenls, &.c., 
at pages 18 and 20. 
Mountains, in their 
exterior forms, ex¬ 
hibit varieties which 
strike the most in¬ 
attentive observer. 
Their utilily is very 
great. They attract 
the clouds and va¬ 
pors, which become 
condensed by cold, 
and fail in the shape 
of snow and rain, 
thus giving birth to 
innumerabie streams 
whicli descend and 
spread fertility and 
beauty over tlie sur¬ 
face of the earth. 
Tlie looffcst ran^e of 
mountains in the 
world is the Ameri¬ 
can range, 9000 miles 
long. Tlie longest 
range in .^sia is the 
Altaian range, 5000 
miles. The longest 
ranges in Africa are 
the .Mountnnsoflho 
Moon, 2000. and the 
Allas range, 1500 
miles. The longest 
range in ICurope is 
the Ural. 1500. 'I'he 
Dofrafieid range is 
1000 miles ; the Car¬ 
pathian. ; the 
Alleghany, or Ajia- 
lachian, 900; the 
Green Mountains, 
350; the Alps and 
Apennines, 700; the 
Pyrenees, 200. Tlio 
bights ot the princi¬ 
pal mountains will 
be found uialer the 
Grand Divisions. 
Volcanoes. — The 
number of volcauot s 
that have been dis¬ 
covered amounts tc 
several hundred. 
Sonuj of these are 
extinguished, others 
are in constant activ¬ 
ity, and others still are periodically inflamod. The most celebratc‘d volcanoes in 
the world are Etna, Hecla. Coto[)axi, and Vesuvius. Earthquakes are sujiposod 
to be intimately connected with volcanoes, and usually lake place in volcanic coun¬ 
tries. There have been frequent earthquakes near the borders of the Medilerni- 
nean Sea, and around the Gulf of Mexico. Islands. —There are numerous islands 
scatUTod throughout the oceans, the largest of whicii, in round numbers, aro as 
I'ollows: 

Sq. mile'’. Sq, mlK'a. 

Australia.3,l)(K),U(.H) Sumatra.Ibfl.OOO 

Greenland. 40().0iX) (ireal Britain. 84,700 

BoriKH). 300,000 Cuba... 50,0tK) 

New Guinea. 305.540 Iceland .. 4i).UU0 

Madagascar .. 230,000 Long Island. 1,4U0 

Valleys are formed by the separation of chains of mountains or hills. Those 
wliich lie between ranges of high mountains are generally narrow. Valleys collect 
the waters which desctuid from the mountains, nnd pour them into the rivers. 
There are some valleys situated in elevated i-egioiis. having rivers and lakes with 
no outlets. Such is the valley which surrounds l^ake Titicac:i, in South Americii. 
CkjiUral Asia abounds in these valleys. Plains are of two kinds, high and low'. 
Those of Mexico, Peru, and Central Asia are of the former kind, and are generally 




























































































































































270 


GENERAL VIEWS OF THE EARTH. 


surrounded by a bulwark of mountains, which supports them. The plains of 
Mexico are frtun 6 to 8000 feet high ; those of Quito are 12,000. Some of those in 
Chinese Tartary are probably as elevated. The low plains consist, generally, of 
saiul, gravel, and shells, fc^uch are those along the eiislern part of our Southern 
Stales, on the north of Ihe Ciispian Sea, and on the south of the Baltic; the Delta 
of K^ypUand the Valley of the Amazon. Dkserts. —The most remarkable of 
these are Sahara, Gobi, and Atacama. There aie extensive deserts also in Beloo- 
chislan, Persia, si^iberiii, and Arabia. Caverns. —There are numerous caverns or 
fissim*s in the earths particularly in calcareous regions. Most of these seem to owe 
their formation either to the retiring or sinking of the earth, i^ome of them are of 
prodigious extent. The deptli of that near Castleton, in England, has not been as¬ 
certained, though sounded by a line of 9000 feet. Near Fredericksliall, in Norway, 
there is a liole, into which, if stones are thrown, they appear to be two minutes 
before they reach the bottom; from which it is concluded that the depth is up¬ 
ward of 11,000 feet. The most curious caverns are those which present crystals 
suspended from the roof, or lying on the ground, assuming various fantastic forms, 
and often presenting the images of animals and vegetables. The Grotto of .'\nlip- 
aros, the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, ^c., are of this kind. When lighted up by 
torches, they present scenes of inconceivable splendor. 

5. Water Surface of the tiilobe*— Oceans. —'Iha Mantic Ocean is noticed 
at page 175, and the Pacific at 260. The tint of the ocean is supposed lobe 
given by marine vegetables, with which the bottom of the deep is generally cov¬ 
ered, The Wiicca/o7* of the ocean is but the retlection of the sky. Thaspar/ding- 
0 /ocean inthe night—which is often a most beautiful jdienomenou—-is caused 
by myriads of small sea-animals, diffused in the water, which emit a phosphoric 
light. The ewrrents of the ocean^ which are mainly from east to west, though often 
clianged by the shape of the land by which they pass, are caused partly by the 
rotary motion of the earth, which leaves the fluid behind, near the equator, creating 
a movement contrary to that of the earth—i. c.. from east to west; and partly also 
by evaporation of the water in the equatorial regions, and the supply which rushes 
in from the two poles. Eddie!^^ Whirlpools-^ &,c., are generally formed by rocks 
above or beneath the surface. The prevailing winds of the ocean are caused by 
the action of the sun, rariiying the air near the equator, and sending it upward, 
while the cold air rushes in from the north and south to fill its place. The cur¬ 
rents of air, thus set in motion, are modified by the rotation of the earth, and vari¬ 
ous other causea There is a considerable onidogy between the origin of the winds 
and currents of the ocean, and doubtless these both act and react on each other. 
The saline property i\\Q sea is owing to the quantity of salt diffused throughout 
the mineral masses of the earth. Waterspouts are caused by violent whirlwinds, 
which force up ina.sse3 of the ocean, and whirl tliem about with violent agitation. 
They often prove fatal to ships at sea. Tides, —Every iw’olve hours, the waters of 
the sea rise and fail along the shores, the average being from ten to tw-elve feet. 
Thus the tide ebbs and flows, throughout all oce:ms and most seas, twice in twen¬ 
ty-four hours. This extraordinary phenomenon is caused by the attraction of the 
moon, which, by the universal law of atlractioiu lifts the water as it passes over its 
siu*luce. The attraction causes high th/€, and the reaction low tide. Seas are but 
parts of the great oceans, to which we athich different names. The following is 
the extent of some of the most prominent: 


Extent. 

Chinese.1,000,000 

MediU^’ranean. 800,- 00 

Caribbean. 600^000 

Irkutsk. 500,000 


Extent. 

Black.2(K),0l>0 

Red.100,000 

Baltic. 90,000 

Irish .. 5,600 


nature—the earth, air, and sea—is full of animated beings; some of them seem 
ing nearly allied to vugeUibles and minerals. From these we may ascend in the 
scale, tlirough an almost infinite series of existence.s, up to Man, w'ho constitutes 
the highest in the animal kingdom. Man. —The various original races of mankind 
may be reduced to Jive original races or types. The first is called the European 
race-i and occupies Western Asiji, Eastern and Northern Africa, lliiidosUm, and 
Europe, and embraces the while inhabitants of America. This race is sometimes 
called the Cawca^i'an, it being imjigined that it originated near the mountains of 
Caucasus. The principal nations embraced in this clu.ss are the Europeans and 
tlieir American descendants, the Arabs, Moors, 'J’urks, Hindoos, and Abyssiniaus. 
The second variety is the Tartar.^ or Mongolian, and includes all the nations in 
Asia east of the (hinges, excepting Malacca. It embraces, also, the Laplanders 
and Finns, in Europe, and the Esquimaux, from Behring’s Straits to Greenland, in 
America. The third, or .American variety, consists of the aborigines of the western 
continent. The fourth race is the A/a/ay, comprehending the inhabitants of the 
peninsula of Malacca, and the island.s of the Pacific Ocean, with the exception of 
New Holland, New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Van Dieman’s Land. The fifth 
race is the JSTegro^ w’hich is spread over all Western and Southern Africa, it is 
found also uj)on tlie cotists of Madaga-sciu*, and occupies New Holland, Van Die¬ 
man’s Land, New Caledonia, and New Guinea. Of these five races, the Caucasian 
deserves to be considered the first. Not only is Ihe countenance more beautiful, 
but the intellectual and monil endowments of this race are of a higher character. 
Whenever tliey have met w'ith the other races, they have ultimately prevailed. 
They have excelled all olliers in literature and the arts, and seem to have given 
birth to most of the valuable institutions of human society. 

7. Polilical CiJeogmpliy.— Government. —By far the larger part of the gov¬ 
ernments in the world are monarchical., and more or less despotic. In Africa and 
Asia, neniiy all the governments are despotisms. In Europe, there are a few rej>ub- 
lics. The other governments are monarchical, though many are limited by consli- 
tutions. They are now administered more mildly than in former times, and the 
influence of the people is every where becoming more and more felt and acknowl¬ 
edged. Religion. —The following is an estimate of the portions of the earth de¬ 
voted to the several leading religious creeds of mankind: 


Pagans, including the wor¬ 
shipers of Brahma, Fo, &c..560,000.000 
Christians.267.000,000 


Mohammedans.178,000,000 

Jews. 3,800,000 


Christians may be thus divided: 

Roman Catholics.140.000,000 1 Protestants.70,000,000 

Greek Church. 50,000,000 ] Armenians, Nestorians, &c.. 5,000,000 

Cities, —We have given a view of the principal cities of the world under the 
Five Grand Divisions. The following is a list of ten of the most celebrated: 


London.2,359,640 

Pekin.2,000.000 

Jedo.1,300.000 

Constantinople. 630,000 

Paris.1,200,000 


Calcutta.500,000 

Surat.'_.500,000 

Vienna.410,947 

Cairo..330.000 

New York.515,507 


Agriculture.— This is the chief source whence the food and clothing of man are 
derived. Bread, meat, potatoes, fruils, lor food, and flax, silk, wool, and cotton, for 
clothing, are all products of agriculture. It is supposed that the annual value of the 
agricultural products of the^LTnited States is about twelve hundred millions of 
dollars (see i)age 137). It is estimated that in the world there are: 


Rivers have their origin in high grounds, and are caused by rains, the melting of 
snows, glaciers, &:c. They are of the greatest service in scattering fertility along 
their borders, and furnishing the means of internal navigation to the countries 
through which they pass. Most of the great cities of the earth are situated upon 
rivers; and the thickest population is usually found in valleys, along their banks. 
The principal rivers will be found under tlie (irand Divisions of the Earth. The 
following table exhibits the largest river of each quarter of the globe: 


Miles long, i Miles long. 

Mississippi, including Missouri, N. Volga, Europe.1,9U0 

America.4,000 I Niger, Africa.2,300 

Amazon, South America.3,200 1 Yeuesei, Asia.2,900 


Cataracts. —Rivers, in their descent, often form cataracts or cascades, which are 
among the most beautiful objects in nature. The Cataract of Niagara exceeds all 
others in the quantity of water precipitated over its rocks; but there are many 
whose fall is much greater. The following is a list of some of the most famous: 


F^el fall. 

Gavarnie, Pyrenees, France.1,350 


Fuglo<% Norway. 1,000 

Stauhbach, Switzerland. 960 

Tequendama, S. America. 574 

Terni, Roman States . 300 


Montmorency, Canada. 250 



Feet fall. 

Cauterskill, New York.. • • 


Niagara. 


Schaffhausen. 

. 80 

Cahoes, near Albany. 




St. Anthony, .Miss. 



Springs. —The.se are small reservoirs of water in the earth, which overflow, and 
are conducted by channels to some opening, Jtlineral spriatrs are those which are 
impregnated with vm-ious substances, liom the soil over which they flow. Many 
of them are highly medicinal. Among the most celebratixl are those of Saratoga, 
in New York ; the While Sulphur, in Virginia; those of Bristol, Bath, Tunbridge, 
and Cheltenham, in England; Spa, in Belgium; Carlsbad, in Germany, &c. 
Thermal sierings are those which are healed, probably by some connection with 
volcanic materials. These are numerous in many countries; but the most cele- 
bratetl are the Geysers, in Iceland. 

6. The Three of Nature*— Minerals —The unorganized 

portion of the earth belongs to the Mineral Kingdom. This furnishes sustenance 
to vegetables, luid vegtdabies are the chief nutriment of animids. Among the min¬ 
er .il treasures of the earth, coal is Hie most important. Next to that are the vari¬ 
ous meluis, iron, lead, tin, copper, zinc, silver, and gold, all of which contribute to 
human civilization. Vegetables.— The Empire ot Vegetation embraces the 
whole globe, from pole to pole, and from the summit of mountains, where the 
lichen cree(>s over the hardest rocks, to the boiioin of the ocean, where floating 
fields of plants rise unstsen. 0>ld and heat, light and shade, fertile lands and path- 
les* deserts—every place, every temperature, has its own kind of vegetation, which 
thrives luid prospers there. There are plants which even ramify upon the dark 
vaults of mines, imd upon the walls of the deepest caverns. Among the most im¬ 
portant vegetable.s are grains^ which furnish bread; cotton.^ which furnishes cloth¬ 
ing ; sugar, tea, coffee, and spices, which supply us with luxuries. Ships, as well 
as a large part of our nouses and furniture, ai*e built of vegetable materials. Di¬ 
rectly or uidirectly, till animal life depends upon vegetable products. Animals. 

*Th 9 Animal Kingdom pres* nts a vast and varied field. Every deportment of J 


1,000,900,090 Human Beings, 
300,000,000 Domestic l>heep, 
150,000,000 Cattle, 

80,000,000 “ Swine, 


50,000,000 Domestic Horses, Asses, 
and Mules, 

12,000,000 “ Goats. 


If we consider that each day these are to be fed, chiefly by the agricultural industry 
of man, we shall have some faint conception of its extent and importance. Manu¬ 
factures. —Ills supposed that the annual product of inanufaclures in Ihe United 
States is nearly as great as that of agriculture. Fifty millions of nails are made and 
used every day, in the United States. A single cotton factory will spin a thread 
long enough to reach round the w’orld, at the equator, in three hours. One hundred 
thousand pieces of calico, of thirty yards each, are produced every week in the 
United States. The cotton manufactures of Great Britain are ofthe annual value of 
one hundred and thirty millions of dollars, and the woolen manufactures two-thirds 
as much. These facts will give some imperfect idea of the amazing extent of this 
branch of human industry. Railroads and Canals. —Railroads, which have not 
existed for more than twenly-tive yeai*s, are rapidly increasing in the United Stales, 
and in Europe. In other parts of the world, they are hardly begun (see pages 136 
and 137; also articles England, Holland, &.c*) Commerce is that process by which 
mankind exchange their surplus products for others which they need (see p:igo 
137), The following table gives a list of some of the exports of various countries: 


Africa —Gold, ivory, gums, hides, ostrich feaihci’S, leather, fruits, &c. 

Arabia —Coflee, aloes, myrrh, frankincense, gum-Arabic. 

Belgium— Grain, flax, hops, woolens, linens, laces, various manufactures. 
British Provinces —Flour, furs, lumber, flsh. 

China —Tea, silks, nankeens, porcelain, articles of ivory and pearl. 
Denmark— Grain, horses, cattle, beef, pork, butter, and cheese. 

France —Silks, woolens, linens, cottons, wine, brandy, porcelain, toys, 
Germany— Linens, grain, various manufactures of silver, copper, &.c. 

Great Britain— Woolens, cottons, linens, hardware, porcelain, &.c. 
Greenland —Whale oil, whalebone, seal-skins. 

Guatimala —Logwood, mahogany, indigo, cocoa. 

Hindostan— Cottons, silks, rice, sugar, coffee, opium, indigo, 

Holland —Fine linens, woolens, butter, cheese, various miinufactures. 

Italy— Silks, wines, grain, oil, fruits. 

Ireland —Linen, beef, butter, tallow, hides, potatoes, barley, 

Japan— Silk and cotton goods, Japan ware, porcelain, 

Mexico —Gold, silver, logwood, cochineal,fruits. 

Madeira and the Canaries —Wine, fruits. 

Newfoundland —Codfish, seal-skins, seal-oil. 

Persia— Carpels, shawls, wine, silk, cotton, nee, rhubarb, guns, sword?, 

Peru—S ilver, gold, Peruvian bark, mercury, siigJir, cotton, fruius. 

Russia— Hemp, iron, linen, grain, timber, furs, tallow, plalina. 

South America— Sugar, cotton, tobacco, gold, diamonds, silver, copper, dye- 
woods, indigo, cocoa., 

Spain and Portugal— Silks, wool, wine, oil, fruits, salt, &c. 

Sweden and Norway—I ron,steel, copper, timber, flsh. 

Turkey—G rain, bruits, cotton, oil, wine, carpets, muslins, swords. 

Weft Indies— Sugiir, rum, molasses, uoffee, spice, cotton, indigo, fruits. 












































































INDEX AND PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY OF PROPER NAMES. 


Ab-ys-sin'i-a.240:Ba-hi'a.174 

A-ca'Jia.1441lla-ju-zet'.218 

A-crop'o-lis.216 Bal-bo'a.167 

Ad'ams.32, 88; Bald .Mountain. 73 

A'del.240 Ba-le-ar'ic Islands.204 


Ad-ri-an-o'ple.218| 

Ad-ri-al'ic, marriage ot'.212 

.Af-idian-isTau.2.76 

ACri-cii.18,23, 2:r) 

Afri-can Islands.241 

-A'gu-a, Mount (a'trou-a.). 1,70 

.■\i.\ la (Jha-|)elle'.224 

A'jan.....240 

AKi-ba'ma. 82 

•A-las'ka.140 

.M-a-ta-ni.i-ha River ... 80 

.-M-ba'iii-a.24.7 

.Ai'ba-ny. 55 

Al-be-marle', Lord. 73 

Al-bu-(pier'que {al-bao- 


ker'k) .128 B.isle (in/iVc).226 


A-leu'tian Isles.141 

Alexander Sel'kirk .... 168 
Al-ex-an'dri-a. .88, 141, 238 

Al'fred.102 

Al-ge'ri-a.237 

Al-giers'.23() 

Al-bam'bra.206 

Al'le-gha-ny Mts.51,58 

Alleghany River. 58 

AITen, KThan. 41 

AlTi-ija-tur ^wamp_74 

Al-lu'vi-al Way. 53 

A-lom'pra.262 

Alps, Mount.177, 22t) 

Alps, Rhe'tian.208 

Al-ta'i, Mount.243 

Alt'on.113 

Am boy. 5' 

A-mer'i-ca.18,10 

.America, Norih. 

American Bottom.112 

Am'sler.<lam.220 

Anahuac (.a-na-oo-ac'). .\‘I7 

A'nam.262 

An-a-loTi-a.247 

An'des.173 

.An-ilor're.203 

-An'gles.102 

Aim .Ar'bor.116 

.An-nap'o-lis. 63 

Ant-arc'tic Continent... 18 

AnTi-och.240 

An-ti-sa'ni, Mount.165 

Ant'werp.2: 

Ai)-a-lach'i-an Mountains 26 

Ap'en-nines, Mount_177 

Ap-pa-luch-i-coTa River 78 

AKiui-ta'ni.201 

A-ra'bi-a.251 

Ar abs.236 

A-ra-guay'a River.173 

Ar'a-rat, Mount.246 

Ar-au-ca'ni-a.160 

Ar-ba'ces.251 

Ar-beTa.255 

Arch-an'gel.141 

Ar-dennes', Mount.227 

A-re-qui'pa.167 

Ar'Ken tine Republic... 171 

Ar-kan'sas.04, 98 

Arkansas River....97, 126 

Ar-me'ni-a.248 

Ar'nold. 38 

Ar'ro-wauks.1.72 

As-cen'sion.242 

AsKtut'ney, Mount.40 

Ash'ur.2,71 

A'si-a.18, 243 

Asia Minor.247 

As-syFi-a.18, 250 

As-to’ri-a.135 

A-sun'ci-on.172 

A-taulph'.206 

Atch-a-fa-lay'a {-ii'a) R. 85 

Ath'ens.216 

At-lan'ticO'cean.174 

Atlantic Slope. 27 

AtTas, Mount.235 

At'ti-ca.216 

Au Jaqnes River.121 

Au-gus'la.37, 82 

Aus'tin. 92 

Aus-tral-a'si-a (-o'sA6sa).268 

Aus'tri-a.219 

Aux Cav es.154 

A-zores^.242 

Az'tecs.149 

Babel. 18 

Bab'y-lon.18, 249, 280 

Bac-trWi'na.2,78 

BaTfin’s Bay.138 

Bag-dad'.251 

Ba-ha'ma Islands...... 152 


Ba-lize'.140 

Balk.2.78 

Bal'kan Range .... 177, 217 

Ball'ston. 53 

Bal'tic Sea.178 

Bal'ti-more. 63 

Bam-liar'ra.240 


Ban'da (J-ri-en'tal.. 

Ban'gor. 

Ban-kok'. 

Bar-a-ta'ria Island.. 

Bar-ba'does. 

Bar-ba'ri-ans.183 

Bar'be-cues. 0 

Baitls.1‘.I4 


.172 
. 37 
.2()2 
. 86 
. 1.76 


Bath.190 

Ba'ton Rouge. 88 

Beau'l'ort 

Bed'ou-ins.252 

Beech')', Captoin.139 

Be-gliar'mi.240 

Beg-ler-beg,s'.255 

Beh'riiig's Strait.140 

Bel'gaj.201 

Bel'gi-um.;.227 

Belle'ville.113 

Bel'lows Calls. 40 

Be-loo-chis'tan.256 

Be'lur Tiig, Mount.243 

Ben-a'res.250 

Ben'ning-ton, buttle of.. 41 

Ber-be'ra.240 

Ber'becs.23' 

Ber'gen.232 

Ber-lin' 

Ber-mu'da Islands.152 

Berne.2-26 

Bey-rout'.240 

Big Bone Cave.101 

Big Sandy River.103 

Bir'nuui Empire.261 

Bir'ming-hani.100 

Black'-llavvk.113, 121 

Black Hills.124 

Black River. 97 

Black'stone River. 46 

Blake'ly. 83 

Blanc, Mont.226 

Bloody Bridge.11 

Blue Mountains.134 

Blue Ridge.52, 68 

Bo-go-ta'.164 

Bo-he'mi-a.219 

Bok-ha'ra.257 

Bo-liv'i-a.167 

Bom-bay'.259 

Bo'na-parte.203 

Boors.240 

Boo-tan'.261 

Bor'ne-o.267 

Bor-nou'.240 

Bos'ton.35, 43 

Bot'a-ny Bay.208 

Bour'bon.242 

Bour-deaux'.201 

Bran'dy-wine River.... 61 

Brat'tle-bo-ro’. 41 

Bra-zil'.172 

Bra-zo'ri-a. 92 

Bra'zos River. 91 

Brein'en.225 

Bridge'port . i. 49 

Bris'tol. 46 

Brii'ish Amer'i-ca.141 

Brit'ons.191 

Brock'en.224 

Brook'lyn. 55 

Brnnn.219 

Bruns'wick. 37 

Brus'sels.227 

Buc-ca-neers'.154 

Bu-cha'ri-a.257 

Bu'da.221 

Bue'na Vis'ta.149 

Bue'nos Ay'res.170 

Ca'bot, Se-bas'ti-an_ 30 


Cal-i-for'ni-a.131 


Cow'pens. 77 


Calvert, Leonard. 63 Cra'cow. 

Cam-bo'di-a River.261 Creeks. 

Cam'bri-a.193|Cre'oles. 

Cain'bridge. 44|Cres'cent City. 

Cam'dcn... 77 t'ro-a'tia. 

Camel’s Rump. 40 Crock'd!, David... 


Ca-na'ry IsUuids.242 


Uec'can.. 

Deer River. 

Del'a-wure. 

Delaware Bay.... 

Del'hi. 

Del'la. 

Del'uge.. 

Den'mark. 

Des .Moines River. 


De-troit' 
Di-ar'be- 
Dis'mal ! 


Dou-ars' ... 


Do'ver. 

Down'ie-ville. 


Ca-nute'.230 

Cape Bre'ton Island_14.' 

Cape Col'o-ny.240 

Cape Rear River. 73 

Cape Hay'ti-en.1.74 

Cape Town.240 

Cape Verde Islands... .242 

Capet, Hugh.202 

Ca-rac'ta-cus.191 

Car'ibs.152 

Car-pa'thi-an .Mountains 177 

Car'lhage.249 

Car'li-er, .laques.145 

Cas-cade' Mountains_134 

Ca-zem'be.240 

Cash-mere'.250 

Cas'pi-an Sea.:.. .243 

Ca-stes of India.259 

Cat'a-coinbs.201 

Ca-taw’ba River. 73 

Cau'ea River.163 

Cel'e-bes (-bees) .2()8 

Crdts ..201 

Cer'ro Gor'do.149 

Ce-vennes', Moimt.177, 190 

Cisj'lon.261 

Cha'gres.164 

Cham-plain' I.ake ..... 40 

Chan-tle-leur'Island_86 

Cha-pa'la Lake.146 

Char'i-ton River.1-20 

•>J‘> Charle-magne'.184,202 

Charles'ton. 7“ 

Cbarles'town. 44 

Charter Oak. 49 

(3iat-ta-hoo'chee River. 78 

Clie-boy'gan River.114 

Ches'a-jieake Bay. -71 

Chev'i-ot Hills.188 

Chi'li (clie'le) .168 

Chil-li-coth'e.108 

Chil'o-e Islands.168 

Chim-bo-ra'zo, Mount.. 165 

Clii'na Prop'er.263 

Chi-nese' Km'pire.263 

Chinese Tar'tar-y.264 

Chip'pe-wa River.118 

Chip'pe-was.123 

Chi-qiii-ma'la.151 

Christ-i-a'na.232 

Chiv'al-ry.184 

Choc'laws. 83 

Chow'an River. 73 

i.'hi-quit'os.168 

Clinch River.101 

Cid.206 

Cim-be'bas.239 

Cim'bri.201 

Cin-cin-na'ti.107 

Cir-cas'si-a.245 

Cir'cle-ville.108 

Cis-al'pine Re-pub'lic ..213 

Clo'vis.20:' 

Co'bi, Desert of.243 

Cte'sar, Ju'li-us.191 

Co-fa-chi'qui. 80 

Col. Boone.10.7 

Col'chis.245 

Co-lum'bi-a. 77 

Columbia College. 6.7 

Columbia River...130, 134 

Co-lum'bo.261 

Co-lum'bus.. 19,82,108,206 
('o-lo-ra'do R. 130, 146, 170 

Co-ma-ya'gua.151 

Con-cep'tion.169 

Con'eord. 39|Five Nations 


Cum'ber-land Hills 


Cuz'co. 

Cuy-a-ho'ga River 

Cym'ry. 

Cy'nts.. 

D.i'ci-a. 

Dah-co'tahs...... 

Dal-ma'tia.221 

Dant'zic. 

Dan'ube River. 

Da'ri-en. 

Da'ri-en, Isthmus of. 

Da'vis’ Strait. 


Dy-aks'. 

IVbro River. 
Ec-ua-dor' .. 
E'den. 


I g'bert- 1. 


El'ba. 


Enchanted Mountains 

Ep'som Salt Cave. 

Er'ic Raude. 


E-tru'ri-a. 

Eu-phra'tes River. 


Ex'e-ter. 


Con-nect'i-cut. 48! Flint River. 


Cook, Capt. 


Ca-bul' (-bool')- 


Caffres (-/ers)....236, 240lCor-<io'va.17rFort Wal-hal'la — 

Ca-haw'ba. 83,Co-re'a.264T''our(Sauls. 

Ca-ho'ki-a.113 (Sor-ri-en'tes. .171 Fox River. 

Cain. 18 Cor'pus Chris'ti. 92 France. 

Clai'ro.238 t’or'si-ca.208 Fran'citi, Doctor... 

Cal-cnt'ta.259,CoFtes.206 Frank fort. 

Cal-e-do'ni-a.lOOjCor'tez.92, l48lFrank'lin. 

Cal-la'o.167lCo-to-pax'i. 165 Friuikliu, Sir John. 


. 77 

Fred'er-ick. 

63 

o;>.) 

Frederick’s Harbor... 

139 

. 83 

t're-do'ni-a. 

93 



*>7 

. 87 

Fre-mont'. 

.134 


French Broad River .. 

.101 

. 93 

French war. 


.184 

French and Indian war 

30 

. 1.73 

Fuego (/uo-a'^ro). 

1.70 

. 188 

Ca-la'ti-a. 

.201 

101 

Ca-li'ci-a.113 


.101 

Cal'lu. 

.241 

.167 

(iiii'li-a ... 

.261 

.106 

Cal'ves-ton. 

92 

. 193 

Ca'nia, Vas co de. 


.2.7.7 

Cam'bi-a. 

.239 

.216 

Ca.s-con-ade' River ... 

99 

.123 

Gaul, Cis-alp'ine. 

.209 

4>.>| 

Gains. 

.261) 

.223 

Ge-dro'si-a. 

256 

.177 

Ge-nu'va. 

.226 

. 82 

George, Luke. 

. 53 

.163 

Geor'gi-a.89, 

24.7 



.108 

(ier'ba. 

-.'42 

1(10 

Ger'ma-ny. 

.223 

.259 

Ghauts Mountains.... 

.2.79 

. 61 

Gbiz'ni. 


. 51 

Gi'anl’s Cause'way.... 

.197 

.259 

Gib-ral'tar. 

.266 

. 86 

■ d'la River. 

.146 

244 

Glendower, Owen_ 

.194 

.229 

Glouce-sier {gios'ter). ■ 

. 41 

.120 

Goe'the. 

o.)4 

.131 

Gon'tlar. 


.1.75 

Good Hope. 

l'3!l 

.116 

Gor'ges, Fer-nan'do. .3' 

', 39 

.248 

Gor-go'na. 

164 




. 64 

ot'len-berg. 

231 

.232 

Gra-na'da.■... 

206 

.206 

Grand Man'i-tou Lake. 

.115 

.2:17 

Grand River.114, 

120 

} O'* 

Grand 'Trunk. 

59 

.134 

Great Bear Lake. 

141 

193 

Great Britain and Ire- 


land. 

187 


Great F'hIIs. 

30 

.121 

Great (ley'ser. 

140 

.228 

Great Mi-a'mi River... 

106 

.268 

Great Slave Lake. 

141 


Great Wall. 


.165 

Greece. 

214 

. 23 

Greek philosophers... 

248 


tireeii Buy. 

119 


Green Mountains.35,40, 48 

.192 

Green River. 

103 

.238 

Green'land. 

25 

.229 

Gua-da-loupe' Mts. ... 

91 

209 

Gua-ti-ma'Ia. 

150 

.229 

Guay-a-tpiiT (-keel')... 

165 


Guay-a'ma (gwi-) . 

153 


Guin'ea. 

239 

.101 

Gulf Stream. 

174 


Gu-ti-e'rez. 

93 




.115 

llaar'lem. 


.248 

Had'ji. 

252 


Ha'gers-town. 

63 

,240 

Hague. 

O.I() 


llui'nan. Island. 

2()4 

.246 

Ham'bnrg. 

2‘.',7 

,175 

Hans E^gede'. 

13!) 


lla'roun Al-rasch'id... 

254 


llar'ris-burg. 

60 

43 

Har'ri-son. 

33 

.261 

Harrison, Gen. 

117 



49 

73 

Hariz Mountains. 

<K>.) 

.18.7 

Hat'ter-us.Cape. 

73 


Ha-va'na'.. 

153 

194 

Ha-wa'i-i. 

268 

.2;13 

Hav'ti. 

1.74 


Heb'ri-des.. 

194 

fV)7 

Hec'la, Mount. 

140 

80 


48 

210 

Hei'las. 

214 

78 

Hel-ve'tia. 

226 

101 

Hcs-pe'ri-a. 

206 

264 

Hi-ber'ni-a. 

198 

63 lligh'laiid-ers. 

195 

121 High'lands. 

36 

123 Him'ma-leh Mts.. .243, 258 

135 

Hin-dos-tun'. 

258 

13.7 

Hi-was'see River. 

101 

2111 

Ho'ang Ho. 

203 

118 Hol'land. 

223 

199 Hol'slon River. 

108 

172|Hol'y-head. 

191 

225 

HoTyoke, Moiinl. 

42 

100 Hon-o-lu'lu. 

268 


Ilo'reb, Mount.251 

Hot'ten-tots.240 

llous'sa.240 

I lolls'ton. 92 

Cudson, Henry. 30 

Hudson River. 52 

Hu'e.262 

II u'gue-nots, mass. of.. .2(i2 

Htmg'a-ry.221 

l-be'ri-a.206 

I'ber-ville River. 86 

Ice'land.2.7, 139 

Id-u'me-a.2.71, 2.74 

I- er'ne.19s 

II- li-nois'.Ill 

l:-lyr'i-a.219 

lii'di-a.258 

Indian Territory.1-25 

Indian Springs.'81 

Indian'Tribes.. i25, l.0,13 1 

In-di-a'na.109 

lii-di-aii-ap'o-lis.110 

Indians. 19 

liins'pnick.219 

liKiuisilion.2ti6 

1-o'ni-a.247 

1-o'iii-an Republic.214 

I'o-wa.120 

Iowa River.120 

I'rak Ar'a-bi.249 

I'ran. 255 

Ir-.i-wad'dy Ri\er.261 

Ire'land.197 

Iron Mountain. 73 

Is'ra-el.249 

It'a-ly.208 

.la-ciii'to. River. 93 

.lack'son.33,85, 117 

.lackson. (Sen. 90 

.Iame.s River. 69 

Jaii'i-zi.-ries.218 

Ju-pan'.266 

JiHiiie-si'ia River.130 

Ja'va.267 

Jed'do.266 

Jel'ier-son. 32 

Jefferson City.luo 

Je-rii'sa-lem.249 

JeVso.266 

Jes'u-its.171 

■lid'da.2.73 

Jor'dan River.130 

Ju'dali.249 

Ju'li-an’s Harbor.139 

Jii-ni-a'ta River. .78 

Ju'ra, Mount.177 

J upland .229 

Ka-a'ba.253 

Kal-a-ma-zoo' River_114 

Kan'zas River.125 

Kas-kas'ki-a.112 

Ke-lat'.256 

Ken-ne-bec' River. 36 

Ken-tuck'y.102 

Ke'o-kuk .113 

Key West, Island. 78 

Khi'va.257 

Kho-kan'.257 

Kii'ling-ton Peak. 40 

King'ston.144 

Kings Mount. 75 

Kir'giiis Country.2.77 

Kiu'siu ..266 

Knox'ville.102 

Ko'di-ak.141 

Koon-tlooz'.257, 258 

Koor-dis-lan'.250 

Kos-ci-us'ko.233 

La Co-lo'ni-a.171 

La Paz.168 

La Pla'ta.168 

La Salle.90, 92, 145 

La-ce-daj'mon.217 

La'land.229 

Lan'eas-ter. 60 

Land of Dates.236 

I an'sing.in 

La'os.262 

Lap'land.232 

Liu-'a-inie.125 

Leeds.190 

Leg-horn'.210 

Le'high River. 58 

Le'na River.245 

Ixj'on.1.71 

Le-vant'.247 

Lewis &. Clarke.135 

lAiwis R .134 

Lex'ing-ton.105 

Li-be'ri-a.239, 245 

Lich'te-nau.139 

Lich'teu-fels.139 

Liege.227 

Lick'ing River.103 





















































































































































































































































































































































































































272 


INDEX AND PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY OF PROPER NAMES. 


Li'inii.ICC) 

Lis’bon.‘i07 

Lit'tle Mi-ii'ini Rivur. ..lOii 

Lillie I’e-dee'River_75 

Lillie Rock. 98 

Lillie 8ioux {suo) River 120 

Li-v:i'ili-ii.214 

Liv'er-pool.lilO 

Loire River.199 

Loin'bar-dy.210. 211 

Loii'iloii.190 

Lon,' Itrancb. 5' 

Long Isiuiid. 53 

Loo Llioo Islands.205 

Ijou'is-burg.145 

Lju-i-si-a'na. 85 

Lou'is-viile.104 

Low'ell.35. 44 

l.ow'land-ers.195 

Lii'bec.22, 

Luc'c.i.. .1 . 21(1 

Lu-si-Ui'ni-a.207 

Lyncli'burg. 71 

l.y'ons.20l 

.Ma-ce-do'ni-a.21(1 

Mac-kcn'zie’s River_141 

Mack'i-n.iw.11(1 

Mad-a-ga-s'car.24', 

M a-dei'ras (-dii'ras) _242 

Mail'i-son.33, 119 

5iad'i-soii ville. 88 

Mad'i son's Cave. 1)9 

Ma-(!ri(l'.2iK> 

Muc/sli'oni . .. 

Ma-i'ei'laii.170, 208 

Mag d .-le'na River.103 

Mair-y'ars.221 

5’aiiie. 30 

Ma-l,ac'ca.262 

Ma-lay'sia.207 

Mai'ta.211 

Malta, Knigbls of.211 

Main'moihCave.103 

Man'ches-ter.190 

Maii'co Ca'pac.10 

Man-liat'tan Island. .53 

Muns'lleld Mount. 4; 

Ma'rah.254 

5lu-ran-hani'.174 

Mar'a-inec River. 99 

Ma'ra-non River... 165, 173 

Mar'ble-iiead. 44 

Mar'co Po'lo.208 

Mar-oons'.1.55 

Mar-sei lies'.201 

Mar'lba’s V'ine'yard.... 42 

Ma'ry-land. 62 

Ma'rys-ville.134 

Mas-sa-chu'selts. 42 

Mas-ser'ne Mountains .. 97 

Ma-la-gor'da. 92 

Ma-tan'zas.153 

Maa'niee River.106 

Mau-ri'tius.242 

Mau-vi'la. 89 

Mays'vdle.105 

Mecca.253 

.'le-di'na.253 

Med-i-ter-ra'ne-an !sea. • 178 

Me-l.'ui.■.211 

Mel'viile Island.138 

.Meni'phis .104 

Men-(lo'y.a.171 

,Me-noin'o-nee Riv. 114, 118 

Menu.224 

Me-roe'.211 

Me.s-o-j)o-ta'iui-a.249 

Mes-si na.210 

Mes'ti-zoes.147 

Meuse, River.227 

MtTc'i-cal...148 

Mex'i-co.146 

Micli'i-gan.114 

Micliignn. Lake.115 

Mid'(lle-bu-ry. 41 

Mid'diC-town. 49 

Mi l.Ill {mdtan) .210 

.Military Frontier.222 

•Mil'ledge-ville. 8-’ 

Mil-wau'kee.119 

Min-e-so'ta.121 

Mis-sis-sip'pi.84 

Mississippi River.. .84, 121 

Mis'le-loe.193 

Mi: ooii'ri.99, 124 

Missouri River.124 

Missouri Cotn'pro-mise loo 

Miz-ra'iin.238. 

Mo-bile'. 83 

Mobile River. 82 

Mo'clia.2.53 

Mo'gul Empire.260 

Mo-ham'med.254 


Mo'hawU River.52 

Mol-da'vi-a.217 

■Mo-luc'cas.207 

.\lo-na'co. 210 

•Mon-gols'.204 

•Mo-non-ga-he'la River- • 58 

Mon-roe'^ . 33 

•Monroe City.110 

•Mon-io'vi-a.239 

Mon'le Vi'de-o (vede-o) 171 

Mon-te-zu'ma.148 

Mon-li-cel'lo. 71 

Monl-pe'li-er. 41 

Mon-tie-al'. 144 

Montreal River.... 114, 118 

.Mont-ser'rat.204 

•Moon, mountains ol the 235 

•Vloors.236 

Mo-ra'vi-a.219 

'lo-re'a.214 

Mor'mons.131 

Mo-roc'CO.236, 237 

Mo-zam-bique'.240 

Mos'cow.233 

Mos-qiii'to Ter'ri-to-ry. .151 

Mo-sul' (sool) .250 

Mount Ver'non. 71 

Moiir-zouk'.237 

■Mox'os.16.' 

Mur'irees-bor-ough_ 102 

Mus-cat'.2.53 

.Mus-king'uiu River_106 

My'si-a.24" 

N:id-dohr'.140 

N.v'dir 81iah.250 

N'aiig-a-sa'ki. 200 

Nan-tuck'el. 35 

N.inlucket Isliutd. 42 

Nan-kin'.264 

Na'pies.210 

Naples, kingdom of_210 

.Na-po'le-on, l.ou-is_203 

.Nar-ra-gau'set Buy. 40 

Nar-va'ez.79, 88 

Nash'u-a. 39 

Nasli'ville.102 

Nas-sau'.153 

Natcli'ez... 85 

Nalcb-i-toch'es. 88 

NatliiUiiel Bacon. 72 

National Road. 27 

Natural Bridge of 1-co- 

non'zo.164 

Nau-voo'.131 

Navy of (Ire-at Bril'aiu- -187 

Ne-bras'ka.124 

Nebraska River... 124, 125 

Ne'ches River. 91 

Neein-bu'cu.172 

Ne'gro River.170 

Negroes.230 

Ne-paul'. •.261 

New Bed'ford.. _35.44 

New Bril'aiu.143 

New Bruns'wick.144 

New Cal-e-do'nia.143 

New Fl-cho'ia. 82 

New Eng'land. 34 

New France.145 

New Clra-na'da.163 

New Cua-ti-tnn'la.1.51 

New llanip'shire. 38 

New llar'iiio-ny.110 

New lla'ven. 49 

New Hel-ve'ti-a.134 

New Herii'luit.139 

New llol'liuid. 23 

New Jer'scy. 56 

New Lon'don. 49 

New Mex'i-co...^.127 

New North Wales.143 

.New Or'le-ans. 87 

New 8 outh Wales. 143, 268 

New Swede'land. 62 

.New York.52, 133 

New Zea'land.208 

.New'ark .'. 57 

New'burg. 55 

New'bern. 75 

New'bii-ry-port. 44 

New-found’land.145 

New'port. 46 

Ni-ag >or.s Falls.53, 144 

Nic-a-ra'gua.151 

Ni'ger (■jer) River.235 

Nigri'tia...239 

.Nile, River.235 

,Niu'e-veh.251 

Ni'phon.266 

Nor'folk. 71 

Nor'i-ciiin.219 

North Car-o-li'na. 73 

North'ineu.19, 230 


Nor’way.231'Pon'ti-ac.117 

Nor'wich (nor'ridge).- ■ 49 Po-pa'yan.164 

Notch. 38 Pope. 65 


No'va Sco'tia.144 

No'va Zem'bla.178 

Nu'bi-a.238 

O'bi River.245 

O'bi-on River.101 

O-ce-an'i-ca.18, 207 

O’Connell, Daniel.198 

0-do'a-i:er.211 

O-gee'chee River. 80 

U'gle-thorpe, Gen. 82 

Ohi'o.100 

Ohio River.106,111 

U'ke-fe-no'co Swamp • • 81 

U-lym'pus, Mount.214 

On-la'ri-o, Lake. 51 

O'phir, Mount.267 

Or'e-gon.134 

Ork'ney Islands.194 

Or'le-ans. Maid of.202 

O'sage River. 99 

Os-ce-o'la. 79 

Ot'to-inans.218 

Owen. Robert.110 

Ox'us River.25' 

Oyster Point. 7' 

O-zark' Mountains. .97, 125 

Pa-cific Ocean.267 

Pacillc Region.128 

Pa-ler'ino.210 

Pal'es-tine.249 

Pal-i-sa'does. 56 

Pal-niv'ra.248 

Pa'lo Al'to.149 

Pain'Ii-co River. 73 

Piunlico Sound. 73 

Pam'pas.170 

Pa-na-ina'.104 

Paii-no'ui-a.216,221 

Pa'pa-cy.185 

Pa'pu-a (pa'poo-a) .268 

Pa'ra River.173 

Pa-ra-guay'.172 

Paraguay River.... 170,173 

Pa-ra-na’^ River.170 

Par'is.201 

Par'ma.210 

Pa'ro River.173 

Par-sees'.25.5 

Pm'thi-a • •.258 

Pas-ca-gou'la River .... 84 

Pas-sa'ic River. 56 

Pat-a-go'ui-a.169 

Pa-taps'eo.62 

Pat'er-son. 57 

Pa-tux'ent. 62 

Paul'ists.174 

Paw-tuck'et. 40 

Peaks of Otter. 68 

Pearl River. 84 

Pe-gu'.262 

Pe-kin'.264 

Pel-o-pon-ne'sus.214 

Penn-syl-va'nia. 58 

Pe-nob'sc'jt River. 36 

Pen-sa-cx)'la. 79 

Penn, William. 60 

Pe'iiuods. 49 

Per-nam-bu'eo.174 

Per'sia.255 

Pe-ru'.160 

Peslh.221 

Peter Botte’s Mountain .242 

Peter the Great.233 

Pe'ters-burg. 71 

pliar'a-uioud.202 

Phil-a-del'phi-a. 60 

phil'ip. 35 

Philippe, Louis.203 

Phil'iji-pines.268 

Plice-nici-a.249 

pi-chin'cha.165 

pil-co-ina'yo River.170 

Pilot Mount. 73 

Pin'dus .Mount.... 177, 214 

Pindus Range.217 

Pin'zon.174 

Pi'sa (pre'sa) .210 

Pit-cairn’s' Island.268 

Pitts'burg. 60 

Pi-zar'ro.165,107 

Plain River.112|Say'brook. 

Pla'ta River.170 

Platte River.124.125 

Plyn-lim'nion, Mount. .193 

Po-ca-hon'tas. 72 

Po'land.233 

Polar Regions.138 

Polk. 33 

Pol-y-ne'si-a.;.. .268 

Ponce de Le'on-79, 153 


Pope'dom.210 

Po’po-ca-te-pelt'.146 

Porcu-pine Mts. . .114, 118 

Port au Prince.154 

Port Roy'al.144 

Por'lo Bel'lo.164 

Por'to Ri'co.153 

Ports'mouth ...38, 108, 190 

I’o'rus.209 

Port'u-gal.207 

Po-to'mac. 62 

Po-to'si.108 

Pough-keep'sie. 55 

Pow-hat'un. 72 

Prague.219 

Prairie du Chien.119 

Prince Edward’s Island 145 

Prlnce'toii. 47 

Pro'lile Mountain. 39 

Prov'i-dence. 40 

Prus'sia.222 

Pu-er'eo River.1 

Pul'que.148 

Pu'ri-tans.35, 44 

Pyr'a-inid of Oho-lu'la.. 149 
Pyr'e-nees, Mount .177, 199 

Rac'coon, Mount. 81 

Ra'leigh (rnw) . 75 

Rap-pa-han'nock River 69 

Rar'i-tim River. 50 

Rung'oon ..20: 

Kead'ing. 00 

Re-a-le'jo.151 

Red Jacket.113 

Red River. .85, 98, 121, 120 

Reik-ja-vik'.140 

Rhine River.199, 226 

Rhode Island. 40 

Rhone River.199, 226 

Rich'niond. 71 

Ridge. 70 

Ri'oGrau'de..140 

Rio Ja-nei'ro.174 

Rio Negro.171 

Ro'a-noke River. 73 

R.rck Bridge ■ •. 09 

Rocky Mts. 25,124,129,134 

Rolle, John. 72 

Rome.210 

Home, Ancient.182 

Ross. 63 

Rol'ter-dam.229 

Rou'en. 201 

Rou-me'li-a.216 

Round Top Mount. 52 

Ru'ric.233 

Rus'sia in .4sia.245 

Russia in Europe.232 

Rutgers College.57 

Rul'land. 41 

Sa'bine, River. 86 

Sa'co ’saw'ko) . 37 

Sac-ca-too'.240 

8ac-ra-men'to City.133 

Sag-ha'li-en.266 

Sag'i-naw River.114 

Sa-ha'ra, Desert of. 235, 237 

Sa'letn. 44 

Salis'bu-ry Plain', (5af2-;188 

Sa-lu'da River. 75 

Sam'ar-cand.257 

Sam'o-set. 45 

Sun An-to'ni-o. 91 

San Frui-cis'co.133 

San Ma-ri'no.210 

San Jo'a-qiiiu River_131 

San Ju-an'.171 

San Sal'va-dor.151 

I'na.253 

San-dus'ky River.106 

Sand'wich Islands.268 

Santa Anna.93, 149 

Santa Fe.128 

San-tee' River. 75 

San-ti-a'go.153,169 

Sar'a-cens.254 

-ar-a-to'ga. 53 

Sar-din'i-a.210 

Sa-van'nah. 82 

Sax'ons.192 

49 

Scan-di-na'vi-a.230 

Scimdinavian Mts.177 

Scheldt River (skelt) • .227 
Schoo'ley’s Mountain • • 56 

SchuNl'kill River. 58 

Scot'land.194 

Scyth'i-a.244 

See'land.229 

Seine, River (sane) -199 


Seir, Mount.254 

Sem'i-noles. 79 

Se-mir'u-mis.251 

Sen-e-gal' River.239 

Sen-e-gam' bi-a.239 

Ser'vi-a.217 

Sev'ern River.188 

Shan'nun River.19 

Shaw'nee-town.113 

Shay’s Rebellion. 45 

Sheffield.199 

Shenandoah River. 69 

Shet'land Isles.194 

Skunk River.120 

Si-am'.262 

4i'ci-ly.24)9 

Si'don.249 

i-er'ra l.e-one'.239 

Sierra Ne-va'da_129, 131 

Sierras, Spanish.204 

Si-le'sia.221 

Six Nations. 55 

Sla-vo'ni-a.221 

Smithsonian Institute. • 65 

Stno'ky Mountain. 73 

Snow'iiou, .Mount.193 

Soco'tra.242 

Sou-dan'.239 

Sou-louqiie'.155 

South Car^li'na. 75 

South Pass.124 

Southern States. 6 ' 

Spain.204 

Spar'ta.217 

Spitz'ber-gen.178 

spring'lield. 44 

St. Au'gus-tine. 79 

St. Charles.100 

St. Clair, Lake.115 

St. Uo-inin'go.154 

St. George.153 

St. Hel'e-na.242 

St. John.153 

St. John’s.144, 145 

St. John’s River.78, 80 

St. Joseph’s River.114 

St. Louis.190 

St. Mark’s. 79 

St. Mary’s.11 

St. Mary’s River.80 

St. Pe'ters-burg.233 

St. Paul.123 

St. Peter’s River.121 

St. Stephens. 83 

St. Vin'cent.156 

Steu'ben-ville •.108 

Stock'holm.231 

Stock'ton.134 

Styr'i-a.219 

Su-ma'tni.267 

Su-pe'ri-or, Lake.115 

Siis-que-han'ua River.. 58 

Swan'sea.193 

Swe'den.231 

Sw ii'zer-land.226 

Syd'ney.145 

Syr'a-cuse.210 

Syr'i-a.248 

'Pad'mor in the Des'ert -248 

Ta'gus River.204 

Tal-la-has'see. 79 

Tam-er-lane'.258 

Taou Kwaug.265 

Tar'shish.249 

l'ar'ta- 17 . Independent .257 

Tas-ca-lu'za. 89 

Tau'rus, Mount.246 

Tayloi, Gen.149 

Tchad, Luke.235 

Tef'lis.245 

Tell, William.226 

Tem'pe, Vale of.214 

Ten-nes-see'.101 

Te-noch-tit'lan.148 

Te-quen-da'ma.163 

Territories of U. S.136 

Teu'tones.224 

Tex'as. 91 

Tez-cu'eo, Lake.146 

'Thib'et.264 

Thom'as-ton. 37 

Thugs.259 

Ti'ber, River • •. 65 

Ti'gris, River.246 

Tim-buc'too.. •.240 

Ti'mour.256, 260, 264 

Tin'tern Abbey.193 

Tip-pe-ca-noe'.109 

Ti-ti-ca'ca, Lake.166 

To-ba'go.155 

To-bolsk'.245 

To-canTin River_,..173 

To-lo-me'co. 89 


Tol'tecs. 149 

Tom, Mount.42 

'Tom-big'bee River ... 84 

To-ron'to.144 

Tor-tu'gas Isltuid. 78 

Tons'siiint L’Ou'veWurel.55 

'I’ran-syl-va'nia.222 

Tren'ton ... 57 

Trenton Fulls. 53 

'I'ri-este'....219 

Trin-i-dad'.153, 1.55 

'I rin'i-iy River. 91 

Trip'o-li.236 

Troy... 55 

Tu nis.236, 237 

Tur'eo-mans.246 

Tur'kes-tan.257 

Tur'key in A'si-a.246 

Turkey in Europe.217 

Turks.246 

Tu-rin'.210 

Tns-ca-loo'sa. 83 

Tiis'ca-ny.210 

Ty'ler. 33 

Tyre. •.249 

'I'yr-ol.219 

Cnited Prov. of Plata,. .171 

Cnited Stales.. 26 

IJ-per-uii'vik.139 

U'ral Mountains.232 

IJ-ru-guay'.171 

U'tah.130 

I'z ....254 

Val-div'i-a.109 

\'a-lel'ta • -.211 

Valley Forge. 60 

Val-pu-rai'so.169 

Val-ver'de.128 

\'un Bii'ren .. 33 

Van Die'man’s Land..-268 

V'an-du'li-a.113 

Ven'ice. .210 

Ver-me'jo River.170 

Ver'non.134 

Ver-sailles'.201 

Ve-vay'.110 

Vicks burg. 85 

Vic-lo'ri-a Laud.143 

Vi-eu'na.219 

V’il'la Ri'ca.172 

Vin-cennes'.110 

Vind-hy'a Mountains . .258 

Viii'land.140 

Vir-gin'i-a.68 

Vi-tu-chu'eo. 89 

Vol'ga, River.177, 232 

Vosges, Mount (rozAe) 177 

Wa'bash River.109 

VVa-ha-bees'.254 

VVa-kul'la Foun'taiu ... 78 

Wales. 193 

Wal-la'chi-a.217 

Wal-loona'.227 

Win, King William’s .. 38 
War, Queen Anne’s ... 38 

Wash'ing-ton.27, 32 

Vv'ushington, Gen. 51 

Wash'i-ta River.85, 98 

V\a'ter-loo.227 

West In'dies.151 

West Point. 55 

Wey'er’sCave. 69 

Wheel'ing .... 71 

Whisky Rebellion.60 

While Mountains-■_38 

White River ••-97, 109 

Wiriu-mette River_134 

Williams, Roger ... .35, 47 

W'il'raing-lon.61, 75 

Win-ne-ba'go, Lake_118 

VVin'ni-peg, take.141 

Wis-con'sin.118 

Wo'den.230 

Wolf River.101 

Wolfe, Gen. 30 

Worcest'er(«joorjt-).... 44 

Yale College. 49 

YirngU-e Kiang.263 

Yaiikee-.. 35 

Ya'zoo River. 84 

Yel'low Stone River. • • 124 

Yen-e-s i River.245 

Yer'ba Ma'te.172 

York'town. 71 

Yu-ca-ttm'.149 

Zam-be'se River.240 

Zan-gue-bar'.240 

Ze'che River. 86 

Zem'zem.253 

Ze-no'bi-a.248 

Zin'gis Khan . 218, 256,258 

Zoll'^ve-rein.223 

Zu'rich.226 





























































































































































































































































































































































































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